Following Charl Schwartzel’s already successful year, he managed to continue his good run of form, after winning the Thailand Golf Championship last week by a dominating 11 shots. He has now been crowned the Alfred Dunhill Champion in his native South Africa. Schwartzel coasted to a 12-shot triumph at the Leopard Creek Country Club, setting a record score of 24 under par for the tournament.
The 2011 Masters Champion’s lead never seemed threatened as he started the final day 10-shots clear following his two consecutive 64s the previous two days, the only real danger was an approaching thunderstorm which suspended play for a couple of hours. Following this accomplishment in South Africa, Charl has managed to reach a staggering 84 under par for his previous five tournaments dating back to the beginning of November! The South African really is in a rich vein of form as he until that time hadn’t won for almost 20 months since the victory at Augusta.
The stunning victory by Charl Schwartzel at Leopard Creek tops of an amazing couple of month for the South African!
“It’s nice to have continued my form from last week,” he said.
“I was saying a month and a half ago that it’s been a pretty disappointing year. Slowly and surely I started to swing the club a lot better, back to how I did when I won the Masters, and I actually got excited to play again.
“It started at the SA Open and from there got better and better. It’s been a pretty good year now.”
The majestic giraffe is just one of the many different species of animals which neighbour the golf course.
Now on to a quick look at the course where the victory took place…Located in the North East of South Africa the Leopard Creek Country Club has, since its opening in 1996, earned a desirable international reputation for its impeccable condition and quality, and as such has developed into one of the world’s most exceptional and exclusive golfing developments. Gary Player designed the fabulous, par 72 Parklands golf course, which measures a monstrous 7251 yards!
The course has been designed with specific care and attention to innovative architectural and landscaping techniques to assure that the golf course and residential areas are naturally separated from animals. Lakes and streams have been diverted through the golf course and surrounding areas to create very interesting golf scenarios and vistas.
Gary Player was especially pleased with the island green on the par-5 18th hole at Leopard Creek
Golfing hazards at Leopard Creek take on an extra dimension, as the course is located adjacent to the Crocodile River (which as you might expect, contains the magnificent animals) and on the border of the Kruger National Park. This being the case; crocodile, hippo, antelope, buffalo and wild boar are everyday occurrences on the unique Leopard Creek Country Club.
Notable holes include the 552 yard par-5 13th which is sure to stick in the memory as the green is right on the edge of the Crocodile River, but thankfully 32 meters above the level of the water, and also provides stunning views along the river and into the Kruger National Park.
Try to steer clear of the water hazards, as crocodiles inhabit the rivers which run close by.
For information on South African Golf Holidays please visit www.yourgolftravel.com or call free on 0800 043 6644.
