Curlewis plan success at Selborne MyZA

Andrew Curlewis heads to Selborne as one of the favourites in this week’s Vodacom Origins of Golf tournament. Photo: Luke Walker/Sunshine Tour

Margate professional Andrew Curlewis plans to make full use of his week at home when he tees it up in this week’s Vodacom Origins of Golf tournament at Selborne Park Golf Club.

The R600 000 tournament, which forms part of the Sunshine Tour’s six-tournament Vodacom Origins of Golf series, tees off on Wednesday and finishes on Friday, and it brings Curlewis back to a venue where he’s always enjoyed success.

“I’ve always played well at Selborne because it favours the shorter hitters,” said Curlewis, who on the previous three occasions the tournament was played at Selborne has finished no worse than 11th.

His confidence is also at a high amidst one of his most successful seasons on tour, with a ninth place finish in the Africa Open earlier this year and 10th in the Polokwane Classic recently.

“It sounds strange, but this is the first year where I’m feeling really comfortable out there. I’m not worried about anything. I’m in a good space, I’m feeling relaxed and I’m confident.

“In 2010 I played well, and then towards the end of that year I bought the pro shop at Margate Golf Club. Then in 2011 I really struggled to balance the business and golf. Now things have settled down. I do my work in the mornings and then practice in the afternoons.”

Curlewis has fond memories of the Vodacom Origins series. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the single biggest series on the Sunshine Tour, and it’s where Curlewis claimed his maiden victory in the Arabella tournament in 2007.

“This series has been good to me. I also like the amateur side of it. I play a lot of social golf with amateurs, and I’ve always been lucky to get some great amateurs in these events.”