Richard Sterne, one of the golden boys of the South African golf circuit, has joined the distinguished field that will contest the Africa Open Golf Tournament that tees off in East London tomorrow.

Richard Sterne, one of the golden boys of the South African golf circuit, has joined the distinguished field that will contest the Africa Open Golf Tournament that tees off in East London tomorrow.

The event will be held at the East London Golf Course, where some of the world's top golfers - including Argentinian Angel Cabrera, Ireland's Darren Clarke and South Africa's Retief Goosen and James Kingston - will also be competing for R5million in prize money.

This four-day event will kick off with a Pro Am beginning today.

Grant Wilson, the Sunshine Tour's chief operating officer, said the event had attracted golfers from the Sunshine Tour as well as a contingent of international names who would help add a keen edge to the fixture.

This is the second year the Africa Open has been held and Wilson said it was attracting a formidable field. Negotiations are well under way for the 2010 event to be co-sanctioned with the European Tour.

The Africa Open will be hosted at the East London Golf Club for the next three years, a hilly and undulating course.

Wilson said: "With a prize fund increased to R5 million, the Africa Open has become one of the most important events on our schedule.

"The Sunshine Tour is proud to be associated with Buffalo City and the Amatola region and we are excited about presenting a golf tournament of international stature at the East London Golf Club." - Sapa