George Coetzee hoping for a successful Nelson Mandela Championship
George Coetzee had a very successful 2012 year on the European Tour. Although he has not won a tournament so far, he has been playing some excellent golf and has been in the mix of things in most of the tournaments.
The South African will start his 2013 European Tour season in his home country, featuring in Nelson Mandela Championship. This is a huge opportunity for Coetzee to start his season with a victory in his home country.
He will join the tournament as a favourite alongside Branden Grace. Grace and Coetzee are good friends on the tour and they like to compete with each other.
Coetzee finished last season at 21th spot in the Race to Dubai standings. This score speaks for itself and the calibre possessed by the South African. The world number 49 will not be having any better chance to win a trophy.
“This week is Nelson Mandela’s event. I’ve always shared my birthday with Nelson, and this is quite big”.
“This is a man who changed our country and made it what it is now. He made it a lot better and having a tournament in his name is unbelievable. I’m sure a lot of South Africans are looking forward to playing this week,” Coetzee said.
The tournament, co-sanctioned by Sunshine Tour, was launched in August this year. The event will be held at Royal Durban Golf Club, the course at the club is very old and most of the South Africans have played here before.
The €1 million event has attracted some big names from the European Tour, However, Coetzee will have a clear advantage at the tricky Durban course because of his prior experience.
“I’m just finally happy that I’ve caught Branden (Grace) in the Race to Dubai, we’re finally level pegging now that the season starts over. It’s been a tough year competing with him on both tours - he’s been giving everyone a hiding!” Coetzee said.
The 156-man field at the Royal Durban Golf Club will attract crowds from all walks of life. Most of them will be cheering for a South African victory.
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