Rory Mcilroy to play in SA Open
Mr Tim Abbot of BMW SA said that BMW has been involved with the sport for 30 years.
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On September 29 it was announced that Rory Mcilroy will be taking part in the BMW South African Open Golf Tournament at the Glendower Golf Club.
The announcement, which was made at the Glendower Golf Course, also gave the dates for the tournament.
“We are honoured to once again be the host city of the prestigious BMW SA Open Championship and look forward to welcoming Rory Mcilroy, defending champion Brandon Stone and some of the best young international on local golfers,” said Ekurhuleni’s executive mayor Clr Mzandile Massina, who spoke on behalf of the City of Ekurhuleni.
President of the Glendower Golf Club, Mr Yani Joannides said he is happy to have the SA Open at the golf course.
“Our members are quite excited that the tournament will be held here. They are happy to have international players coming to play, ” said Mr Joannides
“We are delighted that Rory will play in the SA Open, his presence adds even more value to the tournament for our hosts, the City of Ekurhuleni and title sponsor BMW South Africa,” said Sunshine Tour executive director Mr Selwyn Nathan.
In 2014 Mcillroy made a promise to Ernie Els at the Irish Open that he would take part in a South African Open.
“I am glad that he made the commitment so soon,” said Els.
Els said Rory’s presence will help the growth of the SA Open.
“I cannot wait to come back and play in South Africa. It has been a while since I was last there,” said Mcllroy.
Mr Tim Abbot of BMW SA said that BMW has been involved with the sport for 30 years.
“As BMW we have a vision to help grow this tournament into the biggest and most aspirational tournament on the continent,” said Mr Abbot, the CEO of BMW SA and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Mcllroy is currently ranked number three on the official World Golf Ranking.
At the tournament he will be competing alongside a number of European and Sunshine Tour professionals.
Mcllroy will face off against defending champion Brandon Stone as well as Retief Goosen, who has won both the US Opens and SA Open on two occasions each.
The tournament will be held between January 12 to 15 at the Glendower Golf Course.
Watch: Rory Mcllroy to play in the BMW SA Open Championship