Van Tonder confident ahead of SA Open title defence: 'You need to be spot on'

South African golfer Daniel van Tonder is hoping to fine-tune his performance as he defends the Investec South African Open Championship title this week.

The SA Open returns to the DP World Tour schedule after last year's tournament was downgraded to a Sunshine Tour event due to the Covid-19 omicron variant.

Van Tonder lifted his eighth Sunshine Tour title in Sun City but has struggled to get back into the swing of things.

He finished tied for third at last week's Joburg Open at Houghton Golf Course, his first Top 10 finish since his win at Gary Player Country Club last year.

"I am feeling excited to defend my SA Open title. To win it again would definitely make up for the fact that it wasn't a co-sanction event last year due to Covid-19," Van Tonder told News24.

"I enjoyed playing Houghton a lot more than Randpark. It is always good to be back and to play on home soil with family and friends supporting you."

The SA Open has changed its brand this year under a new sponsor Investec and a change of venue, with Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate set to host the event from Thursday.

While he won't be defending his title in Sun City, Van Tonder is delighted with the course change as he believes it will lend well to the form he is currently in.

"I think Blair Atholl is a good change, it is a great course and you are required to hit your long irons accurately," said Van Tonder.

"These greens are tricky, so you need to be spot on with your short game this week. I am pleased with how I am playing now."

Van Tonder will be using his Top 5 finish last week as a confidence booster as he looks forward to the 2022/23 DP World Tour season.

"My game has been great even though my scores did not show it for about a year. After last year's SA