Patrick Reed is excited by the chance to win one of golf’s most historic events as the in-form American makes his debut at the Investec South African Open Championship.
The Race to Dubai Rankings Delivered by DP World leader is targeting a third win in his last four starts as he tees it up in his 20th country on the DP World Tour.
A Major champion and winner at the World Golf Championships, Rolex Series and FedExCup Play-Offs, Reed has his sights set on adding the second oldest national open to his CV.
“It’s been amazing. First time in South Africa and it’s been nothing but a pleasure," he said.
"Knowing the tradition and history of the golf tournament, I have talked to a lot of the boys from South Africa and it’s exciting to come over and play with those guys.
“It’s one of those events because of the history where you’d love to have a chance late Sunday to hoist the trophy, especially with as many winners and legends that have been on that trophy throughout the years. It’d be amazing to be a part of.”
With exemptions into The Masters and The Open, a field including Major winners, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup players as well as Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour champions have assembled at Stellenbosch Golf Club.
World Number 18 Reed is the top-ranked player and while confidence is high on the back of victories in Dubai and Qatar so far this year, Reed is expecting a stern challenge with each of the last seven editions having been won by South Africans.
“I’m a competitor,” he said. “I love to compete and play against the guys so I can’t wait for that gun to go off tomorrow and start getting in the trenches with these guys.”
While in new surroundings in the Rainbow Nation, Reed is already full of praise for this week's host venue, which is staging the South African Open for the first time in 27 years.
“The golf course is a really good course," he said. "It’s demanding off the tee. It’s very narrow, it’s one of those golf courses [that’s] not particularly long but you just have to play from the short grass.
"You have got to hit good quality tee shots, put yourself in play so you can attack this place. If you’re not playing from the fairway, it’s going to be a struggle.
"It’s one of those places that gets your full attention from start to finish. I like that about a golf course."
