Pro Golf Now
Fansided

South African Open: Top 10 power rankings at Randpark GC

By Mike Randleman

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 11: General view of the 10th hole during the completion of the final round of the Joburg Open at Randpark Golf Club on December 11, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 11: General view of the 10th hole during the completion of the final round of the Joburg Open at Randpark Golf Club on December 11, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 11
Next
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – JANUARY 13: Charl Schwartzel of South Africa tees off on the 4th hole during day three of the BMW South African Open Championship at Glendower Golf Club on January 13, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – JANUARY 13: Charl Schwartzel of South Africa tees off on the 4th hole during day three of the BMW South African Open Championship at Glendower Golf Club on January 13, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /

It’s been a pretty pedestrian 2018 by Schwartzel’s standards. Maybe coming to his hometown is what the doctor ordered.

The 34-year-old Johannesburg native has won seven of his 11 European Tour titles in South Africa including the Joburg Open back-to-back in 2010-11.

This week will be Schwartzel’s first time around Randpark in competition as he skipped the 2017 Joburg Open. At last season’s South African Open, he tied for 15th and was under par each day.

Schwartzel enters off of three weeks of rest following a T41 at the Nedbank Golf Challenge. He got off to a solid start with a 68 on Thursday before falling back.

Nonetheless, playing in his home country gave him a boost.

“It’s been a very difficult year so it’s nice to play at home and it builds your confidence,” Schwartzel said after the 68. “Everything felt good about the game and it’s about as good as I’ve ever played and I feel confident the results will probably be seen soon.”

On the year playing primarily a PGA Tour schedule, Schwartzel cashed a big check with a T2 at the PLAYERS Championship and added three more top-10s worldwide.

The driver has been plaguing him in recent months, but fortunately he was top-20 last season in proximity from the rough. For years, he’s been a solid all-around player. It’s not too late for him to once again find that form and win for the first time since 2016 this week in front of his adoring fans.

Home/Golf Power Rankings