McGinley brings Ryder Cup feel to 103rd SA Open

McGinley brings Ryder Cup feel to 103rd SA Open

DOWERGLEN, South Africa (1 November 2013) - European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley is already plotting how to keep the Samuel Ryder trophy in European hands when he leads Europe's defence against the United States at Gleneagles next year.

But first, the Dubliner is coming to South Africa to compete in the 103rd - South African Open Championship at Glendower Golf Club from 21-24 November 2013, hoping to find some of the same magic that sparked defending champion Henrik Stenson's spectacular return to form.

South African golf fans will get the chance to see the popular Irishman in action when he lines up alongside the Swedish world number four in the first counting event on The 2014 European Tour International Schedule.

McGinley has enjoyed an illustrious career on The European Tour, including four European Tour victories and three victorious Ryder Cup performances.  He will always be remembered for holing the winning putt at The Belfry in 2002, however he is yet to add his name to the star-studded list of former champions of the world second oldest national Open, a championship co-sanctioned between the Sunshine Tour and The European Tour.

"There is certainly an impressive list of names already on the trophy and I would love nothing more than to add mine on there as well," said McGinley.

McGinley first came out to South Africa in 1997 and returned for the South African Open in 1999, 2001 and 2004. The 46-year-old Dubliner says he is relishing the opportunity to return to South Africa.

"I love playing in South Africa because the crowds are always supportive and cheerful; they just want to come out and watch great golf and support everyone. The weather is always great, too.
"It's going to be huge year for me in 2014, but first I just want to see 2013 out among friends and fans and who knows, maybe a little South African magic will rub off on me too."

Entrance tickets to see McGinley, Stenson, former SA Open champions James Kingston and Hennie Otto, Sunshine Tour winners Darren Fichardt, Jaco van Zyl and Dawie van der Walt, as well as world class players such as Ross Fisher, Edoardo Molinari and Scott Jamieson at the 103rd South African Open Championship can be bought at Computicket.

Adult day tickets are priced at R50 per person on Thursday and Friday, and R100 on Saturday and Sunday. Pensioner tickets are R40 per day, all tournament days. Tickets for under-18s accompanied by an adult are R5 per day and available at the gate.

Entrance to the Pro-Am on Wednesday is free and there are also hospitality packages are also available.

Written by Lali Stander and issued by The Write Word Sports Media Consultants.

For further information, please visit www.southafricanopen.co.za or contact:

PROMOTERS
Mala Pavaday
AFRICA SPORTS HOLDINGS
Tel: +27 11 783 4455/88 • Fax: 086 403 2291 • Email: mala@mqandagroup.com

MARKETING AND PR
Kazi Ngqula
MATSHEZI PRODUCTIONS/COMMUNICATIONS
Tel: +27 11 783 4455/88 • Cell: 084 737 9863 • Email: kngqula@yahoo.com

SOUTH AFRICAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
Bruce Younge (Executive Director)
Tel: +27 11 476 1713 • Cell: 083 374 3455 • Email: bruce@saga.com

SUNSHINE TOUR
Mike Green (Communication Manager)
Tel: +27 21 850 6500 • Cell: +27 82 830 2808 • Email: mgreen@sunshinetour.com

EUROPEAN TOUR
The European Tour Communications Department
Tel: +44 1344 840400 • Email: Media@europeantour.com

CITY OF EKURHULENI
Sam Modiba
Spokesperson: Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
Tel: +27 11 999 0094 • Cell: +27 72 515 3022 • Email: Samuel.Modiba@ekuhuleni.gov.za

GLENDOWER GOLF CLUB
Sandy Burnard
General Manager
Tel: +27 11 453-1013/4 • Fax: +27 11 453-3760 • Email: golf@glendower.co.za
Address: 20 Marias Road, South Africa

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