The tournament is played on three courses, namely the Old Course, Carnoustie and Kingsbarn and attracts the big names on the European Tour. It is also one of the most sought after titles in world golf.

There are 25 South Africans at St Andrews at the moment, including the country’s two leading golfers, Branden Grace and Louis Oosthuizen.

However, Charl Schwartzel, is not in the field this week.

Denmark’s Thorbjorn Oleson is the man to beat after beating the USA’s Brooks Koepa last year to capture the title.

By his own admission Burmester said it hasn’t been his best season, especially after an outstanding 2015.

The player practised on the Old Course yesterday and told OFM Sport that he is looking forward to competing on the world’s most icon course again.

“I just got off the Old Course at St Andrews, loved every minute of it. It’s a piece of heaven on earth,” said Burmester.

“I’m really excited to play in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship this week, it’s a big week for me.

“I’m just going to give it my best this week and hopefully come out the other end smiling as I should do.

“It’s a little bit colder here then back home, so I’ll be wearing more jersey than you guys.”

The 2016 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship tees off on Thursday.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport