Michael Vlismas

MALELANE, Mpumalanga (9 December 2008) - Rory Sabbatini was given his first look at the spectacular Leopard Creek golf course on Tuesday in the official pro-am for this week's Alfred Dunhill Championship, and judging by his score he certainly enjoyed it.

The PGA Tour star posted a comfortable two-under-par 70 in sweltering heat, and he headlines a field including a mix of Sunshine Tour and European Tour players that will tackle the fairways of the number one ranked course in South Africa from Thursday's first round.

"I'm looking forward to it. I've heard a lot about the course. I brought my extended family from the United States and it's their first time in Africa. They'll take a few safaris this week. It's a good spot to be. I've heard wonderful things about the golf course and the area and am looking forward to it," Sabbatini said.

James Kingston is also in the field following a memorable debut in the Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City last week. And Kingston served notice of his desire to claim a second European Tour victory with a 68 in the pro-am. "I like this place. It's one of my favourite in the world and I always love coming back here. The rough isn't too severe and I think the course is nice and playable and just an enjoyable golf course at the moment," Kingston said.

Charl Schwartzel is also back in an environment he enjoys. Schwartzel claimed his maiden European Tour victory in this tournament in 2004, and has finished second twice.

"I've had good success here in the past and I love coming back to Leopard Creek," he said. "It's definitely one of my favourite courses that we play in the year, if not the favourite. The course is very green and quite soft. The greens are a bit slow now but I'm sure by Sunday they'll be quick."

Schwartzel said he was happy with his game coming into the tournament on the back of a few weeks off the fairways. "I feel like I'm swinging well. I've had a couple of weeks off and wasn't quite sure what to expect. But I'm very happy with the way I'm hitting the ball at present."

Sunshine Tour Order of Merit leader Richard Sterne and Irishman Rory McIlroy complete a quality field for the first of three European Tour events in South Africa this summer.