Branden Grace favourite to win first-ever Nelson Mandela Championship
Branden Grace has had a terrific 2012 season, as the South African star recorded four wins on the European Tour for the first time ever. Winning four trophies in the debut season speaks a great deal about somebody’s calibre.
Grace will be starting off his 2013 season at the Nelson Mandela Championship in January. This will be one of six European Tour tournaments scheduled to be played in South Africa in the upcoming season.
The Nelson Mandela Championship is a new addition on the Tour and will be played in Durban at Royal Durban Golf Club.
The world number 36 is favourite for the tournament, as he is coming off a magnificent season. He will be the golfer in form at Durban.
More importantly, the event is being played in his home country, so he will have a home crowd advantage.
"It's the first time that he has done something like this, putting his name to a golf tournament," said Grace ahead of tee-off.
"What he has done for South Africa is amazing. He has turned things round and everyone looks up to him".
The event is co-sanctioned by the Sunshine Tour, and the tournament benefits the Mandela's children's fund.
The golf course is not very undulating but it has very deceptive flat areas. Apart from that, its fairways are very narrow so golfers need to control their shots to perfection.
The course, overall, is not very difficult. However, if the ball goes in the rough area, then there is trouble as the rough areas are very punishing.
"Royal Durban is a great venue. I played this course a long time ago so I'm looking forward to going back," said Grace.
George Coetzee and Bryce Easton are also considered to be strong contenders for the title. Coetzee, especially, has had a decent season on the Sunshine Tour, as he has won four tournaments on the tour.
Coetzee is also a good friend of Grace's and both the South Africans will be looking to get off to a flying start in the Race to Dubai.
Bryce Easton has also tasted some success this year and his previous experiences at this club will benefit him immensely.
"I'm really excited to get going and about what lies ahead this year," said the 25-year-old. "I cannot wait to test myself against the world's best players".
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