SA Open: The ones to watch

Watch live coverage of the South African Open from Thursday at 11.30am on Sky Sports 2

Last updated: 13th December 2007

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Pearl Valley on South Africa's Western Cape stages the final event of the European Tour's calendar year.

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At the end of this week's South African Airways Open, the Tour takes a break over Christmas and New Year, before reconvening in Johannesburg on January 10th, 2008.

Ernie Els, the defending champion and four-time winner, remains the class act in the field.

However, following his 72nd hole collapse in last week's Alfred Dunhill Championship - where a triple-bogey eight cost him the title - the big question has become: Can the Big Easy un-scramble his emotions in time for the title defence?

While South Africa's national open is no longer the richest golf event on the continent, it is still a highly sought-after crown.

First played in 1903, Gary Player has won the tournament a staggering 13 times - between 1956 and 1981.

This week's course, designed by another all-time great Jack Nicklaus, is surrounded by mountains and vineyards.

So who will be the main contenders, all hoping to inflict back-to-back misery on reigning champion Els?

Tim Clark: Usually plays well in his own national open. During the past six years he has twice won the title and once finished second.

Darren Fichardt: Four times a top-four finisher in this event this decade - but is yet to taste glory.

Retief Goosen: Although his form has slipped a little during the past 12 months, the two-time US Open winner can never be ruled out.

Trevor Immelman: A back-to-back winner of the title and once second. He is averaging exactly 70 from his last 20 rounds in this event.

Rory McIlroy: The young Ulsterman is making his debut in the South African Open and is likely to be a big attraction this week.

Louis Oosthuizen: Four top-20 finishes in his last five Open starts.

Charl Schwartzel: His six previous starts in this event read: 15-3-32-2-12-10.

Lee Slattery: Played well at Leopard Creek last week where he finished in a tie for second. In three starts in this event has twice posted top-20 finishes.