For the first time in its history, the DP World Tour and Sunshine Tour co-sanctioned Alfred Dunhill Championship will be played at Durban Country Club from February 25 to 28, 2027, rather than Leopard Creek.

The event brings together one of South Africa’s most prestigious tournaments with one of the country’s most historic courses.

Vlismas Media announced the venue change on Wednesday.

Championship leaves long-time Malalane venue

The Alfred Dunhill made its debut in 2000 with the first five tournaments played at Houghton Golf Club.

The tournament moved to Leopard Creek in 2005. It was played at the iconic Malalane venue until 2024, with the exception of 2017 (course repairs) and 2021 (Covid-19 restrictions).

The Alfred Dunhill had become synonymous with Malalane over the 21 years it was hosted there. Golf fans flocked to Leopard Creek every December to watch some of the best golfers in the world fighting it out for the coveted Leopard trophy.

Course recovery prompts location change

Last year, the Lowveld suffered a major sporting disappointment when the Alfred Dunhill Championship was temporarily moved to the Royal Johannesburg Golf Club for its December 2025 edition.

Organisers at the time indicated the move was to allow Leopard Creek’s world-renowned layout to recover from the intense stress of hosting consecutive summer tournaments in 2024 under extreme heat.

In an article published in the previous edition of Corridor Gazette, it was speculated that the championship would make a return to its spiritual home this December.

The greenkeeper and his team have done a fine job in getting the Leopard Creek course into excellent condition.

However, the Alfred Dunhill will not return to Leopard Creek.

What the future holds for the Alfred Dunhill and Leopard Creek remains to be seen.

Past winners of the Leopard Creek-hosted Alfred Dunhill include Adam Scott (2001), Justin Rose (2002), Charl Schwartzel (2004, 2012, 2013, 2015) and Louis Oosthuizen (2023).