The European Tour’s South African Swing will continue next month when the Alfred Dunhill Championship is contested from November 26-29.
Following on from the Joburg Open the previous week, the co-sanctioned tournament with the Sunshine Tour will be played at the majestic Leopard Creek Country Club and will feature prize money of R29million – the largest purse on the Sunshine Tour this season.
The Alfred Dunhill Championship is one of the most eagerly anticipated tournaments of any year with its unique setting and ambience; Leopard Creek nestling on the banks of the Crocodile River overlooking the magnificent Kruger National Park.
The splendour of the location has been reflected in the quality of its winners since 2000 with Major Champions Ernie Els, Justin Rose, Adam Scott and Charl Schwartzel amongst those who have lifted the trophy.
Next month’s tournament will be played according to the strict health protocols of both the South African Government and the European Tour and will feature no spectators on site.
It also means that the Alfred Dunhill Championship will feature twice on the 2020 European Tour schedule having had the honour of setting the ball rolling on this season’s Race to Dubai last November when Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal claimed the title.
Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said: “Our sincere thanks go to Johann Rupert and Alfred Dunhill for what is yet another significant commitment to golf and the longstanding partnership between the European Tour and the Sunshine Tour. Leopard Creek is one of the most unique venues on our Tour, and we are very much looking forward to returning there this year.”
Guy Sanan of Richemont, said: “In our 21st year, we are delighted that we can stage the Alfred Dunhill Championship. We are sorry that we cannot welcome spectators, but we are sure golf fans will understand.
“We would like to thank so many people who have made it possible for us to carry on with this year’s Championship, including the Sunshine Tour and European Tour, the professionals and the officials, volunteers and staff who give up their time to put on this unique event.”
Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour, said: “The Alfred Dunhill Championship is one of our flagship tournaments and we are extremely grateful to be able to announce it as part of our schedule, and with such a significant increase in prize money.
“I would like to thank our Chairman, Johann Rupert, for his unflinching support of our efforts to restart our Tour, and for Alfred Dunhill’s longstanding support of professional golf in South Africa.”
