New Callaway signing Branden Grace wasted no time joining the winner’s circle on the European Tour after securing his maiden title in front of a home crowd at the Joburg Open in South Africa, and becoming an early leader in the 2012 Race to Dubai.
The 23-year-old Qualifying School graduate is one of Callaway’s bright new stars on the European Tour and he quickly delivered on his promise by completing a stunning week at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club by shooting a final round 72 and clinching his first title with a 17-under par total, claiming the €206,050 first prize.
Branden, who carried a full complement of 14 Callaway / Odyssey clubs, is also currently testing the new 2012 range including the company’s RAZR Fit adjustable Driver and RAZR Fit Fairway Woods. Branden’s great win was also backed up with strong performances from David Drysdale (3rd), George Murray (9th) and Danny Willett (14th) showing the strength in depth of both the 2012 Callaway Tour Staff and the exciting new product range.”
“Winning in South Africa is a dream come true. I hit the ball superb and to claim my first European Tour title in front of a home crowd is very special,” said Grace.
Peter Harrison, Director of Tour Relations at Callaway, said:
“Despite not being a contracted player, Branden has been using Callaway product for the last 2 years and, when he gained his full European Tour credentials, it was a genuine privilege to be able to offer him his first professional contract in December 2011.”
“Since then he has continued to go from strength to strength, finishing 14th in the season opening Africa Open before his stunning win in Johannesburg.”
Callaway’s 2012 signings include the Tour’s second youngest player, Emiliano Grillo; second and seventh respectively in the 2011 Challenge Tour rankings, Andrea Pavan and Federico Colombo; Englishmen, Gary Boyd and, two-time European Tour winner, David Horsey; and finally, the most experienced of the Callaway’s recent acquisitions, despite only being 28-years-old, Pablo Larrázabal.
These players join the likes of big-hitting Spaniard, Alvaro Quiros; major winning South African, Ernie Els and Dane, Thomas Bjorn whose memorable 2011 included back-to-back victories and fourth place in The Open Championship.
All 24 in the Tour Staff line-up will benefit from Callaway’s award winning 2012 equipment range including the manufacturer’s first adjustable driver, the RAZR Fit, which has already secured a Tour victory in the hands of Quiros as well as being selected as Editor’s Choice in Golf Digest’s revered equipment review, the ‘Hot List’.
Neil Howie, President of Callaway Golf Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “Callaway always endeavours to support promising golfers, young and old. Incredibly, the average age of this new raft of golfers is just 23*.”
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