Golf
Norris set sights on first SA Open title─── MORGAN PIEK 15:11 Thu, 06 Feb 2025
Shaun Norris is eager to add his name to the prestigious list of South African Open champions as he gears up for the tournament at Durban Country Club at the end of February.
The 42-year-old will join a strong field, including defending champion Dean Burmester, and arrives in excellent form.
Norris has been delivering some of the best golf of his career, highlighted by his victory at the Alfred Dunhill Championship in December, his second DP World Tour title. He kicked off 2025 with impressive finishes of sixth and 16th in the United Arab Emirates, making him the top-ranked South African in the Race to Dubai standings, currently sitting in fourth place.
Now, Norris is focused on converting his form into a maiden South African Open victory.
Shaun Norris after winning the Alfred Dunhill Championship. Photo: Sunshine Tour
“I’ve been swinging the club well for a while now, and my start to the year couldn’t have been better. Winning this tournament is a dream for every South African golfer – it’s our national Open,” said Norris. “My two DP World Tour wins have shown me I can compete at this level, and with my game in such good shape, I’m going all out for the win in Durban.”
In addition to his international success, including his Japan Open victory in 2021, Norris is motivated to add the South African Open to his achievements.
“Winning a national Open is a major accomplishment no matter where you are. For me, the next goal is definitely to win the Investec South African Open,” he said.
Dean Burmester. Photo: Sunshine Tour
This year’s $1.5 million tournament, co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and Sunshine Tour, will be played at the revamped Durban Country Club—a prospect that excites Norris.
“I’ve always enjoyed playing at Durban Country Club, and I’m looking forward to the challenge now that they’ve made some changes to the course,” said Norris, who previously recorded finishes of tied 11th in 2012 and tied 20th in 2018 at the South African Open.
The tournament also offers Norris the opportunity to regain the top spot on the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit. After starting the year in first place, he is now ranked second behind Daniel van Tonder.
The 2025 SA Open in Durban will be played from 27 February to 2 March 2025.
