The South African Open is moving to the Serengeti Golf and
Wildlife Estate just outside Johannesburg, the Sunshine Tour announced on
Wednesday.
The 7,096-metre Jack Nicklaus signature course is situated in
the industrial centre of Ekurhleni and is just 15km from the O.R. Tambo
International Airport.
This year's South African Open, which is a
co-sanctioned European Tour event, will be held from Nov. 24-27 to avoid a clash
with the President's Cup.
"Serengeti is a great course, it provides easy
access to the public and we hope the South African Open will remain here for
many years," Sunshine Tour executive director Selwyn Nathan told a news
conference at the estate on Wednesday.
"(Holder) Ernie Els has confirmed
his place in the field and we look forward to some of the world's leading
golfers joining him at Serengeti, which is a magnificent venue for our national
Open."
Leon van der Vyver, the chief executive officer and developer of
the estate, added: "It is an incredible honour for us, there is so much history
and tradition in this tournament and we are proud to follow a long list of some
of South Africa's finest courses in being the host".
The South African
Open is moving back to the country's largest city for the first time since the
2001 event at Randpark Golf Club, following an extended run at coastal venues.
Last year's centenary tournament was held at Durban Country Club.