Clark hopes for successful defence

Defending champion Tim Clark has fond memories of the Fancourt Estate, where he defends his South African Airways Open title this week.

Clark won the title by six strokes at the Durban County Club and will look to keep hold of the trophy in George.

Clark remembers how well played in the international team in the tied Presidents Cup match against the United States at Fancourt in 2003 and admitted: “But then the greens were holding. Now they aren’t.”

World number four Retief Goosen backs Clark’s assessment.

He said: “Unlike the classic links in Scotland and Ireland, you can’t play bump-and-run here except on three or four holes, so to get on the green, let alone near the pin, is very tricky. If the wind blows and makes conditions even more demanding you could shoot level for 72 holes and win by six.”

With world number five Ernie Els still not confirmed for the tournament the focus will be on Clark and Goosen, while South African-born Englishman Justin Rose tees off with home player Charl Schwartzel and Swede Joachim Backstrom.