Richard Nkosi

Richard Nkosi

An array of local and international golfers is expected to descend on the Leopard Creek golf course in Mpumalanga when the R1 million Alfred Dunhill Championship tees off from December 6 to 9.

Michael Vlisman, media officer for the tournament, said the early list of the tournament entries includes South Africans James Kamte, Ulrich van den Berg, Thomas Aiken and Alan McLean, all of whom recently qualified for the European Tour.

"Ernie Els will attempt to make Alfred Dunhill Championship history by becoming the first double winner of the Sunshine Tour and European Tour. Ireland's Darren Clarke has also confirmed his participation," Vlisman said.

"Former Alfred Dunhill Championship winner Charl Schwartzel, the winner of a record three consecutive Sunshine Tour order of merit titles over the past three seasons, is also expected to be in a field that will include a selection of the leading players from both the European and Sunshine Tours."

Spain's Alvaro Quiros is the defending champion after winning his maiden professional victory in the championship last year.