This premier event, co-sanctioned by the Sunshine Tour and the DP World Tour, boasts a stellar field, featuring a strong contingent of former champions, including Major winner Louis Oosthuizen. For many competitors, the challenge presented by the famed East Course, consistently ranked among Gauteng’s top three layouts, carries significant personal meaning.

Shaun Norris returns to South Africa as the defending champion, following what he described as a career-defining victory at Leopard Creek last year. He now takes on an East Course he has always enjoyed.

Shaun Norris after winning the 2024 Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek. Photo: Sunshine Tour

“Winning the Alfred Dunhill Championship last year was massive for me. Every South African wants to lift this trophy, and it was a truly special week,” Norris said.

“There’s naturally a bit of extra emotion when you’re defending a title, you always want to give it your best shot. It’s also brilliant to be back in Johannesburg and sleeping in my own bed. I feel a lot more relaxed. 

“This has always been a great course, one we South Africans really cherish. It’s a demanding test of golf.”

Other former champions are equally enthusiastic about returning. Branden Grace, the only golfer to have won both the Alfred Dunhill Championship and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, and Richard Sterne are eager to return to a course where they have enjoyed previous success.

Germany’s Marcel Siem is celebrating a 21-year full-circle moment. He won the Alfred Dunhill Championship in January 2004, back when the tournament was still hosted in Johannesburg before moving to Leopard Creek.

“It almost feels like I’m defending the title 21 years later- it’s just great to be back here. I was only 24 back then, a total rookie.

Branden Grace. Photo: Sunshine Tour

“I remember the playoff with Gregory Havret and Raphaël Jacquelin well. That win kickstarted my professional career; it meant so much, and the people of Joburg were incredibly welcoming,” Siem recalled.

Rising South African star Casey Jarvis returns to the site of one of the highlights of his amateur career: his 2020 South African Amateur victory. He heads into this week in impressive form, having secured two Sunshine Tour wins in the past three weeks.

“I’m feeling very confident. Winning those two events was really special. It’s ideal heading into a week like this on a course I know inside out, and with strong confidence behind me,” he said.

Marcel Siem. Photo: Sunshine Tour

Meanwhile, young Spanish sensation Angel Ayora holds fond memories of the tournament series. He finished tied fifth in last year’s Alfred Dunhill Championship and matched that result at this year’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

“This event is really special to me. I genuinely love being in South Africa, the people, the food, the courses, and the weather. I definitely prefer playing in hot climates. I’m just happy to be back at this tournament once again,” he shared.

The 2025 Alfred Dunhill Championship on the Highveld will tee off on Thursday morning at 6:20.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh