Ernie Els and rising amateur star Jovan Rebula are confirmed participants for the Dubai Desert Classic in late January.
The Big Easy, with three classic titles to his name, has agreed to make the trip for the tournament’s 30th playing, where nephew Rebula, 21, will also tee it up.
Rebula earned his invite after a strong 2018 when he topped the field at the British Amateur Championship and claimed the Freddie Tait Cup, awarded to the leading amateur at the South African Open.
Louis Oosthuizen, winner of the SA Open at Randpark, is another high-profile South African in the field.
‘We are really excited to welcome back such an iconic golf legend for his 17th appearance in our tournament. Ernie is always a crowd favourite and he obviously has a special history on the Majlis course. To have both the Big Easy and the Little Easy playing together alongside Louis will give a really special South African storyline to the tournament. He may be turning 50 next year, but a fourth victory will be within his grasp,’ said tournament director, David Spencer.
Els is the only player with three Dubai Desert Classic wins.
Photo: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images
