What will be Rory’s story at the BMW SA Open?
Wold number two ranked golfer Rory McIlroy tested out the tee boxes, fairways and greens of the pristine Glendower Golf Course today and is tipped by player-host Ernie Els as the “man to beat” at this year’s open.
The Northern Irishman is the only player in the world’s Top 45 in the field and will be the heavy favourite.
The 27-year-old will be making his third appearance at the SA Open, which is the second oldest golf event in the world after the Open Championship.
The golf star played in the 2008 and 2009 season’s staging of the SA Open.
In his first appearance on local soil he missed the cut, but finished tied third in 2009 alongside ‘The Big Easy’.
His biggest competition will come in the form of defending champion Brandon Stone.
Stone followed his maiden European Tour success in his home open with his second victory at the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek in December.
Meanwhile, McIlroy has been enjoying his time in South Africa and Tweeted this after some time at private game reserve:
We've had a trip of a lifetime to @londolozi over the last few days. This big guy came to say hello last night!! pic.twitter.com/VrjsTGjEum
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) January 9, 2017
WATCH him have a go today on the 17th hole at Glendower:
WATCH his Pro-Am post-round interview from today:
Check him and all the other golfers out at the BMW SA Open from Thursday, January 12 to Sunday, January 15.
Stay with our websites for all the results from the various rounds.
