Dean Burmester has put the Dimension Data Pro-Am ahead of European Tour spoils and is confident he has the game to make the decision pay off, writes WADE PRETORIUS.
Runner-up in 2016 and thwarted by a final round 74 last year, Burmester is prepared and ready to land a win at an event that has so far eluded him.
‘There are so many big names on that trophy and I really want to add mine to the list,’ said Burmester, who opted for the Sunshine Tour over the NBO Open in Oman this week.
‘Dimension Data have always been big supporters of golf in South Africa so it was quite an easy decision this week. I love the event, Fancourt and the format so I’m always ready to play here. The guys playing in Europe always need to try to support the local tour and sponsors as much as they can because they’ve been a big part in our success. This week, you know I always seek out Jeremy Ord to say thanks.’
Burmester has one win to his name this season, but is looking to add a few more before the campaign draws to a close in South Africa.
‘I really want to win this week, it’s a big priority of mine. A few Europeans have come over and won here, so it would be great to get a local winner again.’
Last year’s winner Paul Lawrie is not back to defend his title but 2016 winner George Coetzee is one of a handful of former champions to return. Oliver Bekker, Hennie Otto, James Kamte and Alan McLean all form part of a bunch who know how to get it done across the three courses at Fancourt.
A string of nine consecutive cuts made was broken at the Maybank Championship but Burmester isn’t fazed by that result. Instead, he knows his game is trending in the right direction and if he can get all facets working, he will be right there in the mix late on Sunday.
‘I’ve made a lot of cuts so that’s good but every week it seems like something is not quite 100%. Hopefully this week, I can cut out those costly bogeys because I’ve been making plenty of birdies. I’m going to be playing par golf and when the birdies come, that’ll be a bonus.’
This week is Burmester’s second last chance to add some valuable rands to his Order of Merit list ranking. He will not be defending at the Tshwane Open due to WGC commitments in Mexico and will be in a race to get home for the Steyn City Championship before pegging it up at the season-ender at Serengeti, The Tour Championship.
But before all that comes Fancourt, starting on Thursday.
His opponents should be wary of him should he get himself in the mix down the stretch on Sunday after his albatross at Montagu’s 18th hole in his practice round earlier in the week.
A driver and a 7-iron that pitched just short and rolled into the cup was enough to win his private game against his brother. Should he be able to recreate that magic this week, a much more public win would be just as sweet.
