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Cape Town - Three of South Africa’s US Open contenders namely Louis Oosthuizen, Branden Grace and Charl Schwartzel told USGA that they are looking forward to the major tournament, which starts on Thursday (June 16).
In 2015's edition, Louis Oosthuizen shot a record-low final 54 holes in his last three rounds, and is looking to bounce back this year with a steady performance.
“It’s always going to be a tough week,” said the 2010 Open Championship winner. “I think it gives you in any tournament confidence knowing that if you think you shot a very bad first round, you’re still in it.”
On the other hand, Schwartzel will want to use the same formula he used to win the Masters in 2011 for his seventh participating US Open.
Schwartzel said: “I need to play a lot of rounds and need to familiarise myself with the golf course. I think that’s why I enjoy major championships so much with all the strategy that goes into them.
"You have to really map your way around the course and think about it, and be very patient and particular about your shots... To me it’s a great challenge."
Grace, who finished fourth in 2015 will be looking to improve on his performance by adapting to the conditions at Oakmont Country Club.
“You try to learn on these practice rounds and Charl would play the golf course totally different to what I play it so I know there’s a lot of ways to play a golf course like this, especially in majors. It’s all about adapting, taking it from there and trying to stay patient." said Grace.
Other South African golfers participating in the US Open:
Jaco van Zyl
Ernie Els
Thomas Aiken
Retief Goosen
Tee times on Thursday (June 16) - all SAST:
Thomas Aiken has an early start for the South Africans teeing off at 13:51.
Jaco van Zyl comes on at 18:52.
Ernie Els, Charl Schwartzel and Branden Grace is scheduled to tee off at 19:58.
Louis Oosthuizen and Retief Goosen will tee off at 20:20.
Watch full interview below:
