54

It has been 14 years since Ernie Els watched Adam Scott’s lead evaporate at Royal Lytham & St Annes to claim the 2012 Open Championship. Since that Sunday, South African golf has entered a significant dry spell, with 54 Majors passing without a local winner. For a country that has historically punched well above its weight, this is a glaring gap on the mantelpiece.

The statistics show we haven't been absent from leaderboards, just from the winner’s circle. Louis Oosthuizen has been the most consistent threat, completing a "Runner-Up Slam" by finishing second in all four Majors since Ernie’s win.

His playoff loss at St Andrews in 2015 and his dual second-place finishes in 2021 at the PGA Championship and U.S. Open were particularly difficult to swallow. Branden Grace also had a clear look at the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay before a late mistake on the 16th hole derailed his chances.

Looking at the current landscape, three players have the profile to end this drought in my opinion:

1. Thriston Lawrence This may be a controversial pick given his recent form but Lawrence has proven he can win in a variety of conditions on the DP World Tour. He is a "stocky" player with a high competitive ceiling and a temperament that doesn't seem to shift regardless of the stage. He plays a pragmatic game, avoiding the technical over-analysis that often stalls careers. If he finds himself in the mix on a Major Sunday again, he has the grit to stay there.

2. Aldrich Potgieter Potgieter is a pure power player. His transition to the professional ranks has included some typical growing pains, including missed cuts and the adjustment to the weekly grind of tour life. However, his talent remains obvious. The fact that he is already banking consistent reps in Major championships at such a young age is a massive advantage.

These starts allow him to get comfortable in an environment that usually intimidates newcomers. While his distance is his primary weapon, when he pairs that raw power with improved control in his iron play, he will be a legitimate contender. He’s gaining the experience now that usually takes players a decade to acquire.

3. Christian Maas Maas has had a stellar amateur career, but the professional game is a different beast. There is always the risk that a dominant amateur might fade when the stakes change, as the history of the game is littered with "can't-miss" prospects who never quite found their footing. However, Maas has been strategic by spending his formative years in the US college system.

Playing regularly on American grass and setups gives him a professional blueprint that most locals have to learn on the fly. This exposure to PGA Tour-style conditions should stand him in good stead for a long-term career.

The drought currently stands at 54. It’s been a long wait for a country used to seeing the flag at the top of the board, but the talent currently moving through the system suggests we won't be waiting for the 60-mark.