Golfer

Branden Grace writes “believe” on his scorecard before the start of each round. “It’s just a positive thing that reminds me I’m here to win,” he explains. And after his outstanding start to 2012, it seems the message is getting through. Grace captured his maiden European Tour title on the season-opening swing through Jo’burg in January.

A week later, at the Volvo Golf Champions event at Fancourt, he became the first player since 1995 to follow a debut win with another on the trot. He clinched this second trophy in a play-off involving Ernie Els — the man whose foundation once taught a young Grace the game.

Having won again in April at the China Open, Grace’s new targets are clear: “I want to be one of the best, if not the best, in the world,” he says. “And obviously it’s every golfer’s dream to win a major … I’ve always liked Augusta.”

— Ian Macleod

Twitter: @bgrace58