European Tour: BMW South African Open Fantasy Picks

The European Tour swings through South Africa for the fourth tournament of the season and the BMW South African Open. The 105th BMW South African Open will be hosted by the city of Ekurhuleni and Glendower Golf Club. It’s the second oldest Open in golf history.

The defending champion of this event is Andy Sullivan who overcame the favorite Charl Schwartzel to win his first event on the European Tour. Schwartzel will miss this year, however, as he recovers from an illness.

Even with the absence of Schwartzel, some other big name South African golfers will be in attendance this week at Glendower GC.

There’s plenty of value in this week’s field for those playing in fantasy golf leagues, so without further adieu, here’s a look at some favorites to win the event and some sleepers that could sneak in a grab the trophy.

Favorites

Andy Sullivan

It’s hard to go against the defending champion after he took down the hometown kid Charl Schwartzel last year. He returns in 2016 looking to add his fourth European Tour title.

After his first win at the South African Open in 2015, Sullivan grabbed two more wins throughout the season. His year ended on a high note by finishing as runner up at the DP World Tour Championship.

Sullivan is arguably one of the hottest golfers on the European Tour right now and there’s no reason to doubt him as he looks to defend his title.

Ernie Els

Next to Gary Player, Ernie Els may be one of the most loved golfers from South Africa. This will play into his favor this week when he plays in his home country. Not only is this home country, but the Big Easy hails from Ekurhulen and played some amateur golf at Glendower GC.

Els is a five-time champion of this event with his most recent in 2010. He proved he can still compete with this field by carding 20 birdies and an eagle in 2015 to tie for 20th.

No matter how old the Big Easy may get, his love for this tournament will always remain the same. He treats this event like a fifth major and his experience will go a long way this weekend.

Trevor Immelman

Let’s not forget about that time Trevor Immelman won the 2008 Masters. He may have gone quiet since then, but a Green Jacket is a Green Jacket.

More from Pro Golf Now

Immelman also hails from South Africa and is no stranger to this tournament. He’s won consecutive times back in 2003 and 2004. The last time he played in the South African Open was in 2009 when he place tied for 10th. He was runner up in 2007 and tied for 12th in 2006.

Trevor’s schedule isn’t as busy as it used to be, but that doesn’t mean he can’t have success. This event brings out fond memories for Immelman and he’ll be able to use those memories to build his confidence.

Sleepers

Paul Dunne

You might remember Paul Dunne from the 2015 Open Championship. He found himself in contention starting the final round, but his rookie nerves couldn’t handle the spotlight. Still he finished tied for 30th after starting with rounds of 69-69-66.

Dunne finished with two top 25s in his final two European Tour starts of the season. He’s had enough experience to understand how to compete with the big dogs.

This is the start of Dunne’s 2016 season and he’ll look to start the year on a good foot. He’ll play in Joburg Open next week.

Jaco Van Zyl

Another native of South Africa, Jaco Van Zyl can very easily sneak away with this year’s Open. Van Zyl has experience on the South African circuit with 13 wins on the Sunshine Tour.

In his two starts on the European Tour this year, Van Zyl tied for 13th at the Nedbank Golf Challenge and tied for eighth at the Alfred Dunhill Championship.

Next: Can Adam Scott Rebound in 2016?

He’s also got the experience with this tournament. He played in the South African Open over ten times and has finishes that include T-12 in 2013 and 2014.

Home/European tour