Schwartzel's desire for SA Open title burns strong: 'It would be a privilege'

South African golfer Charl Schwartzel still harbours hopes op lifting his national title ahead of next month's South African Open Championship.

This year's South African Open returns to the DP World Tour schedule this year and will be held at a new venue in Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate from 1-4 December.

Schwartzel returns to South Africa for the first time since resigning from the PGA Tour and signing as a LIV golfer.

The 2011 Masters champion has come close a few times to seal the elusive SA Open title with runner-up finishes in 2005 and 2015.

"I've come close a few times and that victory has so far evaded me. It's one that I would really like to be able to win before I put away the golf clubs," said Schwartzel.

"I've always tried to play in the South African Open Championship. From a historical point of view, it would be an amazing tournament to be able to win as the second oldest national Open in golf.

"As a South African, it would be a privilege to have that under your belt. Any golfer wants to win their national Open and it would mean a lot to me."

This season, Schwartzel roared to victory in the opening LIV tournament at Centurion Club in London, bagging a cool R75 million, and finished fifth in the LIV standings.

Schwartzel will be up against a strong South African challenge, which includes fellow LIV golfer Branden Grace, defending champion Daniel van Tonder, Dylan Frittelli, Dean Burmester and Thriston Lawrence.

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Schwartzel, who once resided at Blair Atholl Estate, says that he is expecting a tough challenge at the new venue.

"The course will be a tough challenge. It's already one of the longest golf courses in South