He confirmed his participation in the 2024 Alfred Dunhill Championship at the iconic Leopard Creek on the borders of the Kruger National Park.

The former Open champion will seek to become just the third golfer in history to defend his title on the co-sanctioned Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour event. Last year, Oosthuizen beat his long-time friend and LIV Golf teammate, Charl Schwartzel, by two-strokes to win the prestigious event.

Charl Schwartzel. Photo: Sunshine Tour

The only players to have defended their title and won on more than one occasion are Schwartzel (2004, 2012, 2013, and 2015) and Pablo Martín Benavides of Spain (2009 and 2010).

Oosthuizen said he is keen on returning to the picturesque course on the banks of the Crocodile River for what he describes as one of the most special weeks in golf.

“I’m looking forward to returning to Leopard Creek for the Alfred Dunhill Championship, which is one of the most special weeks in golf,” said Oosthuizen.

“I have always loved the golf course, and after twice finishing runner-up in the tournament, I was delighted to win last year.

Dean Burmester, Louis Oosthuizen, Branden Grace, and Charl Schwartzel at Leopard Creek. Photo: Sunshine Tour

“The Alfred Dunhill Championship is one of those tournaments I always wanted to win, and to finally do so was very special. It’s a tournament I never want to miss, especially at this point in my career, because it combines my love for Leopard Creek and my love for the bush and the spectacular wildlife, we are privileged to enjoy that week.”

Oosthuizen and Schwartzel’s Stingers teammate in LIV Golf, Dean Burmester, of Bloemfontein has also confirmed his participation, while the South African Olympian and current second-ranked golfer in South Africa, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, will also be in action.

The 2024 Alfred Dunhill Championship will be played from 12-15 December.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg