dAVID Law has '˜nothing to lose' in Joburg Open

David Law reckons he has 'nothing to lose' after securing a rare European Tour outing in the Joburg Open, which starts today at rain-sodden venues in Royal Johannesburg and Kensington.

Scotland's David Law will take part in the Joburg Open in a rare outing on the European Tour. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images

The two-time Scottish Amateur champion was among 15 players to secure spots through an 18-hole shoot-out at Houghton, where the qualifier was put back 24 hours due to the course being waterlogged on Tuesday. The delay stopped Law, who progressed in a share of fifth spot after a four-under-par 68, getting a practice round at either of the two courses he now has to tackle.

However, the Aberdonian is “delighted” to be lining up in a field alongside European Tour regulars Marc Warren, Scott Jamieson, David Drysdale, Duncan Stewart and Scott Henry, as well as leading Scottish amateur Connor Syme.

“It’s unfortunate that I haven’t had a chance to play either course this week due to what happened with the pre-qualifier, but I have nothing to lose and I’m looking forward to the event,” said Challenge Tour card holder Law, who also played in last week’s Dimension Data Pro-Am at Fancourt, where his mentor, Paul Lawrie, claimed a 13th career victory.

On the PGA Tour, Russell Knox resumes his 2017 campaign in the Honda Classic, the event he has twice come close to winning - losing out in a four-man play-off won by Russell Henley in 2014 before finishing third behind Padraig Harrington the following year.

Knox, the world No 19, is part of a strong European contingent at PGA National 
in Palm Beach Gardens which includes Harrington, Thomas Pieters, Paul Casey, Graeme McDowell, Sergio Garcia, Matt Fitzpatrick and Danny Willett. Garcia, who is bidding to 
back up his recent Omgea Dubai Desert Classic victory, finished just a shot behind Adam Scott last year with McDowell fifth.

On the LPGA Tour, Catriona Mattew will be hoping to bounce back from last week’s rare missed cut in the Australian Women’s Open by making her presence felt in the Honda LPGA Thailand event in Chonburi. The Scottish No 1 finished third in this tournament in 2014 then 29th the following year before sitting it out 12 months ago.