Defending champion Branden Grace has installed home star Charl Schwartzel as the favourite for this week's Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek.
Grace hopes he can reprise his victory from last year in South Africa, but backed three-time winner and compatriot Schwartzel to shine on home soil.
Schwartzel has also finished runner-up on four occasions in the tournament, leading Grace to expect a tough battle.
"Charl has always played well here," said Grace.
"Sometimes it seems that he hasn't been playing well in the year and then when he comes here it brings out the best in him.
"He's definitely going to be a tough contender this week."
Johannesburg-born Schwartzel freely admits he relishes this tournament, and cannot wait for Thursday's first round.
"It's great to be back; it's by far my favourite week of the year that I play," said Schwartzel.
"This tournament has served me well over the years, it's gotten me out of some slumps and back on my feet.
"I'm pretty much hoping for the same thing now. I'm in a happy space at the moment.
"The improvement in my swing is so big and so good. My swing feels better than ever, which excites me."
Louis Oosthuizen is another star hoping to impress on home soil, but still backed compatriot Schwartzel and defending champion Grace as the front-runners.
"Charl and Branden are playing really well at the moment," said Oosthuizen.
"Branden's the defending champion and Charl basically owns this tournament, so I think those are the two people everyone is going to be really looking at this week."
Source: PA
