Robert MacIntyre said the tough test provided by Leopard Creek Country Club was one of his reasons for heading to South Africa for this week's Alfred Dunhill Championship.
The 24-year-old Scot is back in action for the first time since claiming his maiden European Tour crown at the Aphrodite Hills Cyprus Showdown earlier in the month.
He comes into the week sitting 28th in the Race to Dubai Rankings Presented by Rolex and sees this event as a great opportunity to improve his position.
MacIntyre said: "I'm feeling great. The game's been in good shape for a wee while now. I've finally got the clubs to start working for me.
"The course is in great condition so I'm looking forward to it.
"I love the course, just the wild nature of it. It's a tough test of golf. That's one of the reasons I travelled out to play this week. It was a great decision.
"It's just one of those weeks, you knuckle down, if you play well you're going to be right in there.
"I've got a lot to play for just now so this week was a huge opportunity, especially knowing the golf course, and the changes have made it a lot tougher."
Another recent winner teeing it up in Malelane this week is Englishman Ross McGowan.
The 38-year-old secured his second European Tour crown at the 2020 Italian Open last month - over 11 years after claiming his first.
McGowan is back at this tournament for the first time since December 2016 and he believes some of the changes made to the course since then could level the playing field somewhat.
"It's been a couple of years since I've played here but I love the changes they've made to the course since the few times I've played before, so hopefully it'll be a good week," said McGowan.
"I think the way the bunkers are positioned actually suits me a little more. They're quite a long way so I can actually hit driver at most holes, which obviously reins in quite a few players to three wood or two iron.
"For me it brings the field much closer together."
