Sunshine Tour star Tristen Strydom hopes to draw some motivation from the recent success of South African golfers around the world when he tees off at the Vodacom Championship Unlocked on Wednesday.
The fourth event on the Rise-Up Series will head to ERPM Golf Club in Boksburg where Strydom is eager to continue his recent good form.
The 23-year-old pushed George Coetzee all the way at the Pretoria Country Club a few weeks ago where he secured second spot at the Titleist Championship and has delivered some solid performances since pro golf returned in South Africa.
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Strydom says he was elated to see Garrick Higgo claim his maiden European Tour title in Portugal on Sunday, which has inspired him to perform even better.
‘In my first year out of school I moved to Stellenbosch and spent quite a bit of time with Garrick,’ said Strydom.
‘I’ve always known he’s a really good golfer. To do what he’s done so soon in his career proves he’s the real deal. And it motivates me because I’ve played against him, and he’s beaten me and I’ve beaten him. So it motivates me to just keep working even harder.
‘It gives you confidence because I’ve proven that I can compete out here on the Sunshine Tour, and this week I’m going in with that comfort of knowing I’m playing well. But golf is a funny game and you just need to take it one step at a time.’
The Sunshine Tour has been running at full capacity since its return and the relaxation of some nationwide restrictions means the new season has been in full flow as golfers return to the courses.
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Darren Fichardt won the very first event, the Betway Championship, on the Rise-Up Series at Killarney Country Club before Daniel van Tonder took home the African Bank Sunshine Tour Championship at Glendower.
Coetzee then utilised his home course in the capital to edge Strydom at the Titleist Championship two weeks ago.
