Sterne hopes to start where he left off

JOBURG OPEN:RICHARD STERNE is hoping to build on his superb ending to 2008 with another strong performance when the Joburg Open tees off today.

The South African, who is the defending champion at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, could equal a 22-year-old European Tour record at the co-sanctioned Sunshine Tour event by winning a third consecutive title: he claimed victory in the Alfred Dunhill Championship and SA Open at the back end of last year.

Those victories mean he could now become the first player since Seve Ballesteros in 1986 to claim three European Tour wins in succession, but he insists that has crossed his mind.

"I haven't really thought much about it, although some people have talked to me about it," Sterne said. "I think the important thing for people to know is that it's not that easy to go out there and win a tournament.

"It's not the kind of thing you just decide to do one day. Come Sunday, I just hope I've got a chance, that's all."

Sterne's dream December propelled him into 43rd position in the world rankings, making him the highest-ranked player and clear favourite in this week's 206-player field. His biggest challenge is likely to come from fellow countrymen Retief Goosen, a two-time US Open winner, Charl Schwartzel and Dungannon's Darren Clarke.

Sterne, a local boy from Johannesburg, has attributed his recent success to "enjoying" his golf more, but is nonetheless aware that he will have to work hard to live up to expectations.

"Obviously I'm pretty happy with my game at the moment, although there is room for improvement. All the aspects of my game can do with tightening up - there's always something.

"I'm over the euphoria (of last year) now. It was nice to have done what I did, but it's a new year now and we all have to go out and do it all again."

As for the pressure heading into the competition, Sterne added: "There is probably a little extra pressure, but to be honest, I don't really feel it.

"There is no difference between this tournament and any other one I go out to play in."

Another player bidding to build on his flying finish to 2008 is Chris Wood. The Englishman, who is playing his first full season since turning pro, finished tied for 16th and sixth in the same events Sterne won, and he is confident a slight improvement in his game could see him improve even further.

"I've started out pretty well," Wood said. "I've felt like I've just played my normal game really and there's so much more work I can do with my swing and my putting especially.

"I think I'm top of greens in regulation at the moment, and if I can keep hitting the ball the way I am and get the putter going a bit, I'm going to start competing more. So that's what I'm looking to work on."

The event will see Dubliner Noel Fox keen to make an impression after securing a coveted place in the field. Fox, who topped the PGA Europro money list in 2008, will be joined by Ulstermen Michael Hoey, Jonathan Caldwell and Michael McGeady.