2017 Alfred Dunhill Championship winner Brandon Stone is looking for a fast start when he begins the 2020 European Tour season at Leopard Creek.
Stone is extremely fond of Leopard Creek Country Club, describing it as the ‘holy grail of golf in Africa’, and he is thrilled to be back.
Stone said: ‘How could you not be happy to come back here? Let’s be honest, it’s the holy grail of golf in Africa.
‘I’ve been out a couple of times already and the course is ridiculously good. The condition this year is simply sublime. Any time you get to this special place is fantastic, and the fact that we get to come for a tournament just makes it better.
‘I’ve often said to people back home that I felt like Mr [Johann] Rupert built this course for me, because it seems like every hole I stand on I just love the tee shot and love the way it sets up.
‘Obviously, you’ve got the likes of Ernie [Els] and Charl [Schwartzel] – I mean, Charl’s had amazing success around here – but at the moment I do feel like I can compete with the best.
‘My game feels good, I feel at ease, I feel at home, and I’m hoping to get the 2020 season off to a flyer.’
Stone’s career has gone from strength to strength since his win here three years ago, with his maiden Rolex Series victory coming at the 2018 Scottish Open.
The South African was unable to return to the winners’ circle in the 2019 Race to Dubai season but saved his best for last, finishing in a tie for second at the Portugal Masters last month.
And he is hoping to take that momentum into the new season.
He added: ‘I kind of felt towards the end of last season I ran out of tournaments. I hit form towards the end of the year, which would have been great if I had made it into the final tournaments but I didn’t.
‘At the same time, I feel that I’m carrying that momentum through to now.
‘Although the 2019 season wasn’t quite according to plan I feel extremely positive about 2020, that it’s going to be the best year yet.’
