The DP World Tour visits many spectacular destinations, but Leopard Creek Country Club holds a claim to being the best. Bordered by the picturesque Crocodile River and the Kruger National Park, perhaps the most famous safari destination in all of Africa, the venue is more than just a golf course.
International stars of the game have long been coming to the site, even before it first staged the Alfred Dunhill Championship in 2005.
Such is the wonder of being in the African bush and the wildlife, DP World Tour players are often left feeling like tourists, including 2019 champion Pablo Larrazábal.
The Spaniard – a winner of nine DP World Tour titles – first came to Leopard Creek in 2007, and this week is delighted to be back at the stunning setting for the first time since 2020.
“Unfortunately, I couldn’t come the last few years,” he said during a mid-round interview on Thursday.
“Every time I step foot on this place, I realise how lucky we are to play in a place like this.
“It’s probably a top three course in the world, the best golf course we play on the DP World Tour.
“The people you meet here are just beautiful. All of those things together make this place a paradise.”
While there may be bigger prize funds than the €1.5 million on the Race to Dubai schedule, Larrazábal says he will continue to return to the venue as often as he can.
“Obviously we are not playing for as much money as the great events we play in Europe,” he added.
“To come and play at this place is not about money, it's about the experience. It’s unique in the world and we know it and we will be coming back as many times as we can.”
Larrazábal opened with a first-round 73 which contained a birdie and two bogeys.
