Last year, the USA’s Veerman claimed a one-stroke victory to win Africa’s Major for the first time, and he is determined to defend his title. The 33-year-old American forms part of a strong international field set to tee it up at Africa’s Major, which also includes Viktor Hovland, Nick Taylor, Francesco Molinari, Marco Penge, Haotong Li and Will Zalatoris.

But they will have to contend with a competitive and motivated local contingent hungry to produce the first South African winner since Branden Grace in 2017. This includes the youngster Aldrich Potgieter, who finished joint runner-up in 2024, just one stroke behind Veerman.

Johannes Veerman. Photo: Sunshine Tour

Veerman said that just walking down the Winner’s Walk during the Pro-Am on the 9th reminded him of what a special event the Million Dollar is, and this serves as powerful motivation heading into his title defence.

“I played the back nine first in my practice round because I knew we had the big grandstand, and I just wanted to be back on 18 and relive that moment,” he said.

“I was walking on the path with the names of all the past champions, and that one hit pretty good.

“The first time I played this golf course many years ago, I remember seeing those names like Seve Ballesteros, Lee Westwood, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen; all the legends who’ve won this tournament.

“Back then, I thought, ‘Wow, this is an unbelievable list of champions’. So to walk down the ninth today and see my name as part of that, it hit me pretty hard.”

Veerman added that simply being in South Africa is special, and competing in such an iconic tournament at a world-class course only adds to the excitement. “Playing in South Africa … what an amazing country this place is,” said the American. “It’s got its problems, but America has its problems too; we’re all fighting our own battles.

Johannes Veerman. Photo: Sunshine Tour

“Taken as a whole, this place is unbelievable, it’s family-driven, it’s an amazing sporting nation, and there’s such a zest for life here. The beauty is so raw. 

“We’re playing a world-class venue this week, and then you’ve got Gary Player here;  he’s the GOAT. Everything together makes this place incredibly special. To come back out and start a new 2026 season in a country like this means a lot.”

Veerman will start from the 1st tee at 11:12 on Thursday morning, alongside Hovland of Norway and Penge of England.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh