SA Open champion Dylan Naidoo 'in high spirits' ahead of Major debut at Royal Portrush

As the sun rises over Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, South African golfer Dylan Naidoo is making his final preparations to tee off in his inaugural major tournament at the 153rd Open Championship.

The excitement is palpable as the 27-year-old Gauteng-born golfer steps onto the hallowed grounds of golf’s oldest championship, where he earned his spot following a stunning victory at the SA Investec Open earlier this year.

Naidoo clinched his entry into the Open with a dramatic finish at the Durban Country Club, where he displayed remarkable composure on a soaked course to secure his win. His manager, Anders Davidsson, spoke to Independent Media from Ireland, sharing insights into the Naidoo's frame of mind and the electric atmosphere surrounding him.

“I’ve been here with Dylan since we arrived and he’s in high spirits and really confident,” Davidsson said. “We all think the time is right in his career for such a big moment. He’s worked incredibly hard to get here and is looking forward to playing tomorrow (Thursday). His family is here to support him as well.”

After clinching the title of SA Open Champion, Naidoo expressed his anticipation for the whirlwind experience ahead.

“It’s going to be a whirlwind experience that I’m looking forward to,” he remarked.

Naidoo is scheduled to tee off at 11:44 am (SA time), where he will be paired with fellow countryman Richard Fichardt and Norwegian golfer John Axelsen.

Sharing the spotlight alongside Naidoo is Aldrich Potgieter, another rising star in South African golf who recently celebrated his maiden victory on the PGA Tour at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

Potgieter is set to tee off even earlier, at 10:38 am local South African time, in a group that includes American golf greats Brooks Koepka and Sam Burns, both of whom have represented the USA in the prestigious Ryder Cup.

The field is further strengthened by seasoned players such as Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Louis Oosthuizen, the 2010 Open champion, and the in-form Thriston Lawrence. 

As the 153rd Open Championship unfolds, all eyes will be on Naidoo and his compatriots.