Golfing greats square up at Leopard Creek
Just days after Rory McIlroy's crowning as the 2015 Race to Dubai winner, the 2016 European Tour season has started in South Africa with the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek.
First staged in January 2000 at the Houghton Golf Club in Johannesburg, the Alfred Dunhill Championship moved to its current venue, Leopard Creek, in 2004 when there were two editions of the tournament due to a scheduling change from January to December.
Set on the edge of the Kruger National Park, the spectacular Gary Player-designed Leopard Creek opened in 1996. The signature hole is the par five 13th, which has a green that overlooks the Crocodile River, but that’s far from the only highlight – the course is visually stunning from start to finish.
The cameramen frequently catch sight of leopards, impalas, zebras, crocodiles and many others and Harry the hippo, which resides in the lake adjacent to the 16th hole, is usually spotted once or twice throughout the week. Leopard Creek is an interesting venue and regardless of the result, the Alfred Dunhill Championship is an event people enjoy watching.
The tees are Bermuda, the fairways and rough are Kikuyu and the greens (which usually run at around 12 on the Stimpmeter) are Creeping Bent (Crenshaw + A1). The fairways are undulating and lined with natural bush and trees, and water is in play on a number of holes.
Leopard Creek has now been used for 12 previous editions of this event and Darren Fichardt, Nicholas Lawrence, Hennie Otto and Andrew McLardy all won the Sunshine Tour’s Tour Championship here at the turn of the century.
Last five winners:
• 2014 – Branden Grace -20
• 2013 – Charl Schwartzel -17
• 2012 – Charl Schwartzel -24
• 2011 – Garth Mulroy -19
• 2010 – Pablo Martin -11.
“It has been a great year. It is nice going into the event knowing that you are in great shape. Coming back to Leopard has fond memories of last year. It feels like home and I am tired, but I am more relaxed when coming here. I’m stoked to be here. Charl has always played well here, he always brings his best to Leopard Creek and will be a tough contender. Louis as well. He feels this place owes him one. I am keen to get it for the second time in a row.”
“I love the place and the course. These past weeks I felt like my game is close, but my mindset was not right. I am looking forward to the week, I am mentally stronger. The season always feels empty without a win, but this week is going to be tough. With Charl owning the place and Branden defending champion, I hope I can stay in the range. Physically I feel great. Brandon Stone is definitely going to be a factor.”
“It is great being back. It is by far the best play in the year. This tournament served me well and got me back on my feet. Every time I come back, it is a peaceful feeling. I am in a happy space. To me my swings feel better than ever, which is a great comfort and excites me. All the golf pieces are coming together. I am starting 2016 in a great space. The golf course is in great shape. My putter didn’t feel well in the pro-am on Wednesday.” Photos: Heinrich Helmbold
