The Major champion broke through at Leopard Creek last year, edging his good friend Charl Schwartzel by two shots in a dramatic final round.

“Last year was a grind with the weather, but winning here was special,” Oosthuizen reflected. “This course always found a way to get the better of me. Beating Charl, who’s the king of Leopard Creek, made it even sweeter.”

Oosthuizen leads a stellar 2024 field that includes champions from both the Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour. The lineup boasts eight of the last 13 winners at Leopard Creek, including Schwartzel, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Pablo Larrazábal, and Ockie Strydom, alongside rising stars and seasoned professionals.

The future of the game is also in focus this week. Scotland’s Gregor Graham makes his professional debut fresh off a stellar amateur season, while South Africa’s Aldrich Potgieter and China’s Wenyi Ding bring youthful talent to the mix. Top South African amateurs like Astin Arthur, Jordan Burnand, and Christiaan Maas are also set to showcase their skills.

Schwartzel, a four-time champion at Leopard Creek, is eager for another run at glory. “This is my favourite course, and the success I’ve had here always helps. I came close last year, and I feel comfortable with the changes now,” he said.

Dean Burmester, hungry to add his name to the champion's list, is well aware of his friends’ bragging rights. “Louis, Charl, and Branden Grace have all won here. They don’t let me forget it,” he joked. “I’m determined to give myself a chance this Sunday.”

Aldrich Potgieter. Photo: Sunshine Tour

For Larrazábal, the magic of the Kruger National Park fuels his optimism. “When I won in 2019, I saw the Big Five within 25 minutes of entering the park. There’s something truly special about this place,” he said.

The 2024 Alfred Dunhill Championship on the banks of the Crocodile River tees off on Thursday morning.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg