South African Airways Open preview

The classic links course Humewood GC, Port Elizabeth, will play host to a number of the world’s top golfers. The event promises to provide a fitting end to the European Tours year.

By Paul O'Hagan
published

TOURNAMENT: South African Airways Open

HOST COURSE: Humewood GC, Port Elizabeth

PRIZE FUND: ?1,000,000

COURSE DETAILS: Par 72, 6963 yards. Humewood GC is the only true links in South Africa and is situated on the sand dunes on the shores of Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth. The fairways are exposed, undulating and wide to compensate for strong winds, bunkers are few with steep faces, greens are firm and fast and the rough is thick.

KEY HOLE:The 446 yard par-4 13th is ranked as one of the top 500 holes in the world. The severely sloped and undulating fairway runs straight up hill and the approach shot to the small green is semi-blind.

In a refreshing end to the 2006 season the South African Airways Open returns to a classic links course in Port Elizabeth. Hunewood Golf Club celebrates its 75th anniversary with the arrival of some of the world?s top golfers. The home crowds will be out in force to see some of their own compete. This includes Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Trevor Immelman who will be among the favorites. The British challenge is lead by Lee Westwood while 18-year-old Oliver Fisher will be looking to continue his steady start to life on Tour.

CONTENDERS: Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Trevor Immelman

BETTING GUIDE: For tips and analysis from Golf Monthly's betting expert, Paul Krishnamurty click here

Paul O'Hagan
Paul joined Golf Monthly in 2006 in a junior role and has since worked as senior staff writer and now as technical editor. He writes equipment and instruction content and tests the vast majority of golf clubs that are introduced every year.
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