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Johannesburg - Jaco van Zyl stands a chance to make his own history by winning his fourth Eye of Africa PGA Championship.
The Sunshine Tour event tees off at Eye of Africa Signature Golf Estate at Eikenhof, southern Johannesburg, on Thursday.
Van Zyl took last year’s title on the first extra hole of a play-off after finishing regulation play level on 20-under-par with Dean Burmester.
He will be looking to join Harold Henning as the only player to have captured the Championship on four occasions since the contest became a stroke play event in 1965.
Stroke play involves counting the total number of strokes taken on each hole during a given round, or series of rounds.
Good form
Van Zyl also lifted the trophy in 2009 and 2013. Henning, who has since retired from playing competitive golf, posted his victories in 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1972.
“This event ranks among the big events on the South African golfing calendar and winning it for the fourth time will be special for me,” said Van Zyl a few days ago.
Van Zyl, who also competes on the European Tour, is currently in good form.
This was proven when he finished tied second with a under-par 16 for a final round score of 68 in the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in Doha last Sunday.
“My game has improved a lot since the beginning of the season as I hit iron shots accurately. I enjoy playing at Eikenhof course because of its narrow fairways and this will help me win,” said Van Zyl.
There will be strong competition on the greens with local players such as Burmester, Trevor Fisher Jr and Darren Fichardt showing their mettle.
Among top overseas players who have entered the event are Morten Ørum Madsen from Denmark and Englishman Ross McGowan.
