I’m out here in Türkiye because of the SA Open win, says Naidoo

WHEN you have shattered a glass ceiling that had been in place for 122 years, there could almost be a feeling that Everest had been scaled. Particularly in South Africa due to the historical and social significance of the achievement.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

But for 27-year-old SA Open champion Dylan Naidoo - the competition's first black winner - it has been a truly life-changing moment. Especially since it elevated him into the elite winner's category on the DP World Tour, thereby earning Naidoo qualification to the imperious Turkish Airlines Open, starting here at the Regnum Carya Spa and Golf Resort in Antalya on Thursday.

"My life has kind of switched on me, you know, done the 360!" Naidoo exclusively told Independent Media. "I've had so much support and so many people reached out, which has been cool.

"But at the same time, now I'm a DP World Tour winner. So, I'm out here on the DP World Tour playing in all these events.

"It's unbelievable. It's my first time in Turkiye. It's been phenomenal so far. I mean, the Hotel Regnum has just been so good. It's probably the best hotel I think I've ever stayed in. The weather's great, the golf course is phenomenal and it's just such a nice event so far." Antalya’s crystal blue sea water is undeniably intoxicating, especially for Naidoo who was born in Lenasia - south of Soweto on Johannesburg’s West Rand - but he is not just here to take in the idyllic surroundings.

The Turkish Airlines is back on the DP World Tour for the first time since 2019 and its gathered an impressive field, including European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald and vice-captain Edoardo Molinari, two times DP World Tour winner Jordan Smith, Chinese star Haotong Li and fellow South African Jacques Kruyswijk.