Shoebury golfer Richard McEvoy will be hoping to continue his swinging start to the new European Pro Tour campaign in South Africa this week.

Former Thorpe Hall amateur star McEvoy, 24, started the season in tremendous style when he led the star-studded field in the opening event of the new season, the Omega Hong Kong Open, after the first two rounds.

South Africa bid - Richard McEvoy is ready for action Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

McEvoy, a member of the Great Britain team that created history in 2001 by retaining the Walker Cup in the United States, eventually had to settle for a share of 15th spot with a four-under overall tally.

But that was still a great start for the former St Thomas More, Westcliff, boy who only a few weeks previously had topped the European Tour qualifying school tournament, giving him a regular spot on the full circuit for the first time.

This week's event is the South Africa Airways Open on the Erinvale Course at Somerset West, Western Cape and carries £500,000 in prize money.

McEvoy flew out at the weekend with the four-round tournament, being fully covered on SkySports, starting tomorrow.

After that great start in Hong Kong, McEvoy combined playing in a pro-am with a short holiday in Mauritius before travelling home for Christmas and the New Year.

He said: "I had a good traditional Christmas as my brother and his family came over from New Zealand and I hadn't seen them for a couple of years.

"The weather isn't that conducive to practice in England at this time of year, but I have managed to get some preparations in and I'm really looking forward to the South African sun."

Published Wednesday January 14, 2004

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