The 2010 Open winner tees off on Thursday as he begins his hunt for a second Alfred Dunhill Championship crown at a layout that feels familiar, yet very different to the one he knew all those years ago.

“I do like this golf course and it’s just lekker being back in Jo’burg and playing where the golf ball goes a bit further,” said the Stinger GC captain, who claimed the 2023 Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek in Malelane.

“I’m looking forward to the week. It’s nice being back on a golf course I played a long time ago.”

And while it’s been a minute since he last walked these fairways, Oosthuizen’s past form at Royal Johannesburg should grab the field’s attention. The South African is eyeing a bit of history - hoping to become just the third player to win multiple Alfred Dunhill Championship titles.

Back in 2007, 2009 and 2010 - the year he famously lifted the Claret Jug - Oosthuizen was consistently in the mix, finishing tied 19th, tied 10th and tied 12th respectively.

Louis Oosthuizen - Sunshine Tour

But the course has evolved. It now stretches out far more than Louis remembers, with the par-five first hole converted into a tough, honest par four this week. The added yardage has the 42-year-old thinking about the ultimate Christmas upgrade.

“I’d like about 20 more yards on my driver,” he laughed.

Meanwhile, his Stinger GC teammate - and former Bloemfontein professional - Dean Burmester is just as amped as he chases a maiden Alfred Dunhill Championship victory.

“If you look at the list of winners, it’s a really special championship,” said Burmester, a former South African Open champion.

“I would absolutely love to add that leopard trophy to my cabinet. I’ve been working really hard to get ready for this week.

“I’m excited and the game is taking shape again. But I’m also just pleased to be playing in South Africa again. The Sunshine Tour is where we started, and it’s important to go back to your roots,” he added, full of local pride.

The 2014 champions, Branden Grace, who also plays LIV Golf with Oosthuizen and Burmester - is also thrilled to return to a venue that changed his career. Royal Johannesburg is where he captured his first DP World Tour title back in 2012.

“This is where it all kicked off for me. I haven’t been back here in a long time, and I’m excited to go. This golf course gets your attention from the very first hole. It’ll also play longer than usual in the wet conditions, so the big hitters will have to keep it on the short grass,” he warned.

The 2025 Alfred Dunhill Championship tees off on Thursday morning, setting up what promises to be a thrilling week of world-class golf.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport