Jayden Schaper, who finished in a tie for sixth as an amateur earlier in the year at the SA Open, impressed last week with a share of second during the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek.

The 19-year-old Schaper said the SA Open remains a special event.

“Having this as my national open and being here at such a great venue, I'm just really looking forward to this week, it's a really special event for me.

“We weren't really looking to have an event like that coming up towards the end of the year.

“Just to have it and show myself that I can be up there and I can compete. Just by putting myself in the final group was an achievement on its own and I'm just looking forward to this week.

“I'm in good form. I've just got to rest up the body, rest up the mind and start a fresh week and just have some fun."

“Last year I had a great run at it as an amateur. It was my second European Tour start and being back as a professional, my first playing of the SA Open as a professional, it's pretty special.

“Having this as my national open and being here at such a great venue, I'm just really looking forward to this week, it's a really special event for me.”

Schaper tees off on the 10th at 7:50 on Thursday morning alongside Wilco Nienaber of Bloemfontein and Dylan Frittelli.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport