The Vaal’s pride and joy, Charl Schwartzel who grew up in Vereeniging and started his golfing career on home soil, returns to the Joburg Open Golf Tournament where he owns the unique record of being the only golfer to have won back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011.

“I saw some highlights of them showing my win in 2011 and I almost didn’t recognise myself. I was so skinny back then, but the swing looked really good,” said Schwartzel.

“Johannesburg has always been special to me. I’ve had good success in this area and especially at the Joburg Open, so I decided to make a comeback here and I’m excited about it.”

Schwartzel will be in the company of defending champion Dan Bradbury, who returns as the most recent winner on a list of former champions also including Thriston Lawrence, Branden Grace, Joachim B Hansen, Haydn Porteous, Shubhankar Sharma, Darren Fichardt and Andy Sullivan.

It all makes for a star-studded lineup ready to challenge for more Joburg Open glory this week.

Tickets for the Joburg Open are available at www.sunshinetour.com