Which golfer was the first South African winner of The Open?

Which golfer was the first South African winner of The Open? Bobby Locke was the first South African to win the championship.

Locke captured the title at Royal St George’s in 1949, defeating Ireland’s Harry Bradshaw in a 36-hole playoff after both players finished tied on 283. He successfully defended the Claret Jug at Troon in 1950, then won again at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 1952 and St Andrews in 1957.

His four Open victories made Locke one of the leading golfers of the post-war era. He was renowned for his distinctive putting technique and deliberate pace, and he also won the South African Open nine times. His success helped establish South Africa as a major force in international golf.

Gary Player is a common mix-up because he also won The Open three times, but his first victory came in 1959, a decade after Locke’s breakthrough. Ernie Els later added two Open titles for South Africa.