Bruiners given ‘life-changing’ opportunity to compete in Investec SA Open

Investec, a patron of the Papwa Sewgolum Class for the Sunshine Tour's transformation professionals, has awarded a sponsor's invitation to Class member Heinrich Bruiners to compete in the Investec South African Open at Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate from Thursday 30 November to Sunday 3 December.

Bruiners has received this 'Out of the Ordinary' reward in recognition of another strong season in which he's had five top-20 finishes on the Sunshine Tour, finished second in the Vodacom Origins of Golf at Zebula, and is ranked 21st on the Order of Merit delivered by The Courier Guy.

He is currently the leading professional in the Papwa Sewgolum Class not otherwise exempt for the Investec South African Open.

"It's great to receive this reward for playing well so far this season. Anyone who is a professional golfer wants to play in their national Open. It's a tournament that can change your life. This is the second oldest Open in golf and in that sense it's a massive privilege just to play. To be part of such a special event is an achievement all on its own. It's so inspiring for the transformation players that there is something to look forward to with an opportunity such as this from Investec," said Bruiners.

Peta Dixon, Head of Sponsorships for Investec, said, "Adding to the title sponsorship of both South African Open Championships, Investec is a proud patron of the Papwa Sewgolum Class. Awarding our sponsor's invitation for the second year running is another way in which our brand is growing transformation in South African golf. We 'Never Settle for Ordinary' and enable tomorrow's stars to make the leap onto the professional circuit."

"In light of our values of equality, belonging, inclusion and diversity, Investec takes tremendous pride in awarding a well-deserved player this 'Out of the Ordinary' opportunity. We congratulate Heinrich Bruiners - it is our honour to afford you the opportunity to showcase your talent on this world stage."

Bruiners said he is looking forward to measuring himself against world-class players which includes defending champion Thriston Lawrence as well as Erik van Rooyen, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Charl Schwartzel, Daniel van Tonder, Brandon Stone and Dean Burmester.

"I'm extremely grateful for this opportunity and it's given me the motivation to work even harder. To compete against some of the best golfers in the world in your home country is so special. The field will be strong and the standard of golf will be high, so I'm going to allow myself to be a bit more aggressive in my strategy this year."

This year's Investec South African Open will include a host of festivities for golf fans and their families to enjoy. These include the Sunshine Tour Beat the Pro competition, the daily chance for spectators to win limited edition zebra Converse leather sneakers by walking the Investec Blair Mile during the championship, an opportunity to find one of five mini Investec zebras hidden throughout the course each to the value of R5,000, and a long drive extravaganza after play on Saturday 2 December.

Tickets for the Investec South African Open Championship can be purchased at www.sunshinetour.com.