DEFENDING CHAMPION: Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal shot eight-under-par 280 to defeat Joel Sjoholm by one shot last year.

COURSE: Leopard Creek Country Club, located at the border of the world-renowned Kruger National Park, was established in 1996 and designed by South African legend Gary Player. The beautiful 6,627-metre par-72 was renovated throughout 2018. The par-3 12th hole was completely redesigned, while the Kikuyu fairways and Bentgrass greens were resurfaced with Bermuda and Champions G12 respectively.

PRIZEMONEY: €1,500,000.

PLAYERS TO WATCH …

Former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel loves Leopard Creek, winning four times, finishing runner-up on four occasions and setting the tournament record score with his victory in 2012.

The South African missed the cut at Sea Island last week. But he shared 25th place at Augusta National the week prior and was T3 here last year. Expect him to contend yet again.

RIGHT: Larrazabal won his fifth European Tour title at Leopard Creek last year. PHOTO: Jan Kruger/Getty Images.

Three-time European Tour winner Brandon Stone arrives in terrific form, having shared fourth place at the Joburg Open last week and bagging three further top-20s in his past five starts.

The 27-year-old South African won this event at Leopard Creek in 2016 and bracketed his victory with top-20 efforts.

Stone was T59th here last year – with rounds of 72, 75, 78 and 72 – but his recent form suggests he will again be a factor at one of his favourite Tour stops.

72-HOLE RECORD: Four-time champion Charl Schwartzel fired 24-under-par 264 in 2012, blowing away the field by an incredible 12 shots.

PAST AUSSIE WINNERS: Adam Scott (2001).

AUSTRALIANS IN THE FIELD: Scott Hend.

TV TIMES*
Round 1: Thursday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 9pm – 2am)
Round 2: Friday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 9pm – 2am)
Round 3: Saturday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 9pm – 1:30am)
Round 4: Sunday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 9pm – 1:30am)
*AEDT, check local guides