Meshack Motloung

Meshack Motloung

Teboho Sefatsa, who took great inspiration from James Kamte's recent victory at the Dimension Data Pro-Am, believes he is close to realising his dream of winning one of the biggest purses on the Sunshine Tour.

Sefatsa is also inspired by Ernie Els, Tiger Woods and Nick Price: "They are my inspiration and I can feel it in my blood that one day I'm going to achieve my goal by winning one of the Sunshine Tour events."

The youngster from Ekurhuleni was reflecting ahead of the inaugural Africa Open that tees off at the Fish River Sun Country Club from February 7-10.

"I'm very confident and I moved to tenth spot in the Nashua Masters last weekend. Although I will be playing for the first time at this course, I have a feeling that I will do well.

"There are a number of big names that will be taking part in this event, but I will keep on playing and see what happens."

Sefatsa, who does not have a sponsor, said he was getting financial help from friend Mduduzi Mngomezulu and family members.

"It's difficult to secure a substantial sponsorship because people are looking at investing in the game. But one cannot be a top golfer overnight," he said.

At the Africa Open he will have to get past the likes of Branden Grace, the former South African Strokeplay champion, and Louis de Jager who won the Matchplay and Strokeplay titles last year.

"I love playing tough courses, it's a challenge for me," said Grace, who turned professional in May last year. "This course especially has a tight layout and each shot has to be precise.

"Since I turned pro, it's been a steep learning curve, especially playing on invitations only in Europe."

But Grace is adjusting well to the paying circuit at home.