South Africa this week to participate in the inaugural South African One-Arm Open Tournament in Bushveld.

Talbot leaves the Island tonight for London where he will spend a few days before flying out to Johannesburg on Saturday. Five days after he arrives in South Africa he will take part in a Pro-Am tournament before the three-day stroke play Open begins on February 23.

"This is a new tournament and they've sent me an invitation,'' explained the Bermudian who won two world one-arm titles in 1988 and 1991.

He is expected to face many of the players against whom he has competed in the World One-Arm and will use this tournament as a build-up to the next World event which is scheduled to start on May 28 in England.

Talbot received his invitation from the South African One-Arm Golf Sports Association late last year, having been initially approached by another one-arm player, Peter McIntyre, a South African, at last year's World Championship. McIntyre is one of those running the tournament.

"They're trying to get as many players as possible,'' explained Talbot.

"The last I had heard they had quite a few.

"I'm really excited about it. Right now my golf is nothing but good. I'll be playing for the whole two weeks that I'll be there.'' Talbot said South African Gary Player was scheduled to make an appearance at the opening ceremonies.

Quinn Talbot