Mansell gets chance to shine on Jack's South African diamond

Ashley Mansell will fly the flag for The PGA in the 86th PGA of South Africa Championship which begins today.

The 72-hole tournament, which carries a prize fund of £60,000, is being contested by a 120-strong field over the renowned Jack Nicklaus-designed Francis Links on South Africa's Eastern Cape. 

It has been won three times by Gary Player and Ernie Elis and Mansell is playing following an invitation to the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland from its South African counterpart to put forward a member to compete.  

The selection was based on performances in this year’s PGA Professional Championship at Blairgowrie and Mansell, who finished tied-fourth, was the first in a position to accept the invite.

“It was totally unexpected and at very short notice,” said the 31-year-old who is attached to Clevedon Golf Club, Somerset. “But it was too good an opportunity to miss.

“I’m really grateful to The PGA for giving me the chance to take part and the PGA of South Africa for the invitation.

“I thought playing in the Matchroom Tour Championship at Slaley Hall 10 days ago would be my last competitive golf of the year, so this is real bonus.”

An additional bonus for Mansell comes in the guise of the venue and South African climate.

“It was pretty wet and windy at Slaley Hall whereas it sunny and at least 20 degrees here,” added Mansell, a two-time winner of the PGA South West Order of Merit.

“And I really like the course. It reminds me of a Portuguese-type venue such as Monte Rei, which really suits my game. Hopefully I can do this one justice.”

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