Local golfer Anthony Michael is on cloud nine after coming 20th at the SA Open, and recent successes in Spain and Japan.
The 32-year-old Northcliff resident and Randpark Golf Club member, won R158 000 at the SA Open in January, and this came on the back of making the cut at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland, and earning Challenge Tour cards in Spain and Japan after doing well in qualifications there, all at the end of last year.
“My golf is in a good place after a lot of blood, sweat and tears shed in the last few months. Of course, seeing the good results makes me work even harder,” Michael smiled while relaxing at his home club, just days before he begins a tour of the country that will see him play six tournaments in six weeks.
These will include the Eye of Africa PGA Championship, the Cape Town Open and Tshwane Open.
READ: Anthony Michael swings back
Michael puts much of his recent success down to working hard on his swing and changing his attitude to the game.
“I used to be very attacking in my game and take risks that other players wouldn’t. When I was told about it, I changed, and I held back. At the SA Open, I decided to just play aggressively and see what happens.”
Michael’s caddy, Marcus Croeser was instrumental in helping him adjust his mindset, and the two have been good friends since they started working together in July last year.
“I also put too much pressure on myself when I played and needed to change that.”
If Michael wins at the Tshwane Open, he will earn a European Tour card to play on the European Tour.
But if not, he has a host of Sunshine Tour events in South Africa to choose from, as well as Challenge Tour events in Spain and Japan.
Michael’s ultimate goal is to be ranked in the world top 50 so he can play anywhere.
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