Ludlow golfer Oliver Farr to face Ernie Els
Shropshire golf ace Oliver Farr takes part in his first tournament of the New Year today after winning his European Tour Card.
The 26-year-old from Shropshire takes on four-time major winner Ernie Els at the South African Open.
It starts today at the Glendower Golf Club in Ekurhuleni and other big names include South African major winners Retief Goosen and Charl Schwartzel along with Richard Sterne, Branden Grace and George Coetzee.
But despite the illustrious company, Farr is just looking forward to getting back onto the course and into competitive action.
He said: "I'm really looking forward to this tournament and it's the start of a busy time because there is now a run of four tournaments in a row.
"I'm just looking at it as another golf tournament. Of course it's on the European Tour, but I'm just excited to be kicking the 2015 schedule off.
"I have actually had some time off over the last few weeks as I felt I needed some time away from the clubs.
"But I have been working on my fitness and seen improvements in my game from that which has given me some confidence."
Farr is no stranger to playing in South Africa after competing in his first European Tour event of the season which took place just before Christmas.
And he knows he will have to be on top of his game as he seeks to extend his stay on the tour by securing a top-110 finish in the order of merit.
He said: "I've kept my preparation the same; it seemed to work last year, so I didn't feel I should change it now I am on the European Tour.
"I played in South Africa just before Christmas in my first event and enjoyed it. The course here is quite tricky so I need to be on my game if I want to have a good result.
"But the aim is to get out there and play well to start the year in the right way.
"There are some big names here, including the likes of Ernie Els and it would be great to play with one of the world stars over the weekend.
"But most importantly I am here to do my best in the tournament – that will always be the main focus."
Denmark's Morten Ørum Madsen lifted the trophy last year.
He will be looking to recpature the form that saw him come home by two strokes, holding off the challenge from South African pair Jbe Kruger and Hennie Otto.
