Genworth Stats Pack - Preview Report

Defending champion Martin Kaymer arrives to compete in Sun City off the back of a consistent year with seven top ten finishes and no missed cuts on the European Tour (although he is yet to record a top three in 2013). Looking at his Genworth Statistics from the recent Final Series events (which included finishes of 13th / 8th / 25th / 19th), the 28 year old German golfer averaged a superb 78.8% for overall Greens in Regulation and 29.4% for Par 5’s in 2. With that degree of long game consistency, don’t be surprised to see the ten-time European Tour winner step it up and defend his Nedbank Golf Challenge title this week.

Charl Schwartzel arrives to compete at the Gary Player CC having finished 2nd here last year, but also off the back of a 4th at Glendower two weeks ago and then a brilliant title defence at Leopard Creek last week. Looking at his Genworth Statistics for those two South African events, the 29 year old golfer averaged a huge 314 yards for Driving Distance, a consistent 77.1% for Greens in Regulation and a superb 78.8% for Scrambles (with 26/33 up and downs for Par) - all leading to an exceptional 67.88 Stroke Average. When the nine-time European Tour winner enjoys a hot streak, he is virtually unstoppable.

What a year it has been for Henrik Stenson, winning the overall Race to Dubai and money lists on both sides of the Atlantic. Looking at his Genworth Statistics from just the recent Final Series events (which included finishes of 34th / 31st / 7th / WIN), the 37 year old Swedish golfer produced some jaw dropping golf from tee to green, especially in Turkey and Dubai where he recorded a combined 91/108 fairways and 127/144 Greens in Regulation, plus 44.4% of the Par 5 greens in sub-regulation two shots. The eight-time European Tour winner may not be finished for the year just yet though, as he arrives in Sun City having achieved some great results here in the past (4th in 2007 / WIN in 2008 / 2nd in 2009).

Justin Rose arrives to compete in Sun City not only having secured his first Major Championship earlier in the year, but also off the back of an excellent Final Series (recording finishes of 5th / 3rd / 10th). Looking at his Genworth Statistics from those events, the 33 year old English golfer has also produced some fantastic golf from tee to green, averaging 75.6% for Driving Accuracy and 81.0% for Greens in Regulation. Interestingly though, we have to look all the way back to 2007 for the six-time European Tour winner to achieve a decent finish here. But his consistency is such nowadays that being in the mix come Sunday afternoon is almost a given.

The Final Series elevated Victor Dubuisson to a new level in the professional ranks having finished 44th in China but then winning in Turkey and achieving 3rd in Dubai (he has also subsequently recorded a 30th at the World Cup). Looking at his Genworth Statistics from those three Final Series events, the 23 year old French talent ranked high for Driving Distance, Greens in Regulation and Par 5’s in 2, literally destroying the Par 5 holes over the 12 rounds (see his 4.35 average for Par 5 Scoring and 68.92 for overall Stroke Average below). It will be interesting to see how Victor progresses over the next few months, starting here at the Nedbank Golf Challenge.

Jamie Donaldson is another player to arrive in Sun City having enjoyed his most successful year on the European Tour to date, which included finishes of 34th / 8th / 2nd / 8th over The Final Series. Looking at his Genworth Statistics for those events, except for the first week in China, the 38 year old Welsh golfer recorded perhaps the best putting figures of all the players (for Putts per Round he ranked 5th in week two China, 3rd in Turkey and 4th in Dubai). Very much in the form of his career, Jamie could well record multiple victories in 2014 and even play a major role at the Ryder Cup.