British Open: Five European Tour Regulars With Portrush Hope
By Matt Coles
Erik van Rooyen
South Africa’s Erik van Rooyen will be taking part in his second British Open, after starring in his first-ever showing at the tournament in 2018.
His debut round in the British Open was a four-under 67 at Carnoustie. Two level-par rounds followed, before a 73 on Sunday dropped him slightly down the field. The South African still finished the event in a tie for 17th, missing out on exemption by just a couple of strokes.
Although the South African does not have a European Tour victory under his belt yet, he has been in splendid form in 2019, with top 15 finishes at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, Hassan II Golf Trophy and the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open.
Van Rooyen also finished in the top ten at last year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, as well as at this year’s PGA Championship, which qualified him for the British Open. He also made the top 50 at the U.S. Open.
The South African will be looking to become the third man to take the Claret Jug back to his home nation this decade, after Louis Oosthuizen in 2010, and Ernie Els in 2012. He tees off at 12:20 alongside Kurt Kitayama and Jake McLeod.