South Africa’s two most iconic courses hosted their big events in December, and winning scores of just five under par at Gary Player Country Club and 13 under par at Leopard Creek showed they were excellent tests for the outstanding fields, which included many international golfers.

Johannes Veerman, an American who has campaigned mostly on the DP World Tour, prevailed at the Nedbank Golf Challenge at Gary Player CC with an inspired 69 on the gruelling final day.

There was no respite from the searing heat and tough layouts the following week at the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek, with Shaun Norris also coming through the field, overcoming a six-shot deficit with a final-round 67.

At Sun City, the prestige field had to contend with temperatures that reached 46° as well as the usual treacherous, shifting winds and nefarious pin placements in the nooks of the clover-shaped greens. The heat was turned up even further in Malelane as a startling temperature of 50° was recorded on the second day, with irregular winds adding to the torment.

Romain Langasque tied for second at the Nedbank Golf Challenge, finishing one stroke behind Veerman after rounds of 70, 70, 73 and 71, and the fact he was pretty chuffed to shoot around par indicated just how tough the conditions were.

“To shoot 70 is actually a good score. If you shoot under par here, you have played very well. The course plays tough, mostly because of the wind, which is constantly going anywhere, blowing one way and then completely in the other direction. If you are just off the fairway, it is difficult to hit the green. You have to stay patient, make a decision and see where the ball goes.

Gallery below

“The greens get firmer and firmer and it seems to just get tougher and tougher. Sometimes you will land in a very bad place, but that happens to everybody. Your attitude is so important,” said Langasque.

But the Frenchman also spoke about how wonderful the Sun City experience was.

“I’ve had good results in South Africa. But it’s not just about the golf, it’s the people too. There’s good food and a good hotel, and the hospitality is something I really enjoy, so it’s a good week here. The course is always so unbelievable, but tough,” he added

Fit-again American star Will Zalatoris was delighted to finally make his Nedbank Golf Challenge debut, having first accepted an invite for the 2022 event but then got injured. The 28-year-old spoke glowingly about the history of the event and how special it was to walk on to the 9th green with the plaques honouring all the previous winners decorating the pathway.

“I stay up late at night at home and watch this tournament, I’ve been doing it for a decade. So it’s special to play here for the first time. I was really upset to miss out previously because of my back surgery, it’s a tournament I’ve had circled on the calendar for a while.

“It’s Africa’s Major and the 18th is the real deal with an awesome vibe all week, and I think it’s the toughest hole on the course. The history of the tournament is also special, you see all the past champions on the 9th green – that hole is my favourite – and it’s a strong list with a lot of Hall-of-Famers,” said Zalatoris.

“Stick to the fairways” was also the mantra at Leopard Creek, according to Sweden’s Marcus Kinhult, who had to settle for a tie for second after shooting 74 on the last day.

“I enjoy playing this golf course and look forward to the challenge. I like what I see, most holes suit my eye, but some are also very tough. It’s quite similar to Gary Player CC in that you have to be on top of your game. There’s nowhere to hide, which is what I like, but some Leopard Creek holes do give you more of a margin for error.

“But there’s no way to bail out, you have to take on every shot. The greens are also slopey and they can tuck the pins like at Gary Player Country Club. It was tough out there, the wind was gusty and the temperature was more than 40°.

“It’s a great course, though, it’s my first time here and I am really impressed. It’s even more important to drive well here, you’ve got to hit the ball straight, in the fairways. Then you can attack some pins, you expect some to be tucked; be in good positions in order to attack or even just to hit to the fat side of the green,” said Kinhult.

But a few extra minutes spent at the 13th green, overlooking the Crocodile River and the Kruger National Park, is enough to convince anyone that it will all be OK.

“It’s an amazing course, I’ve never played anywhere with a national park right on the doorstep. The 13th green is something else with its hippos and crocs. We’re very lucky to get to play here.

“I’m a massive fan of wildlife and it’s everywhere in the park. We were able to see elephant, lion and leopard. We only get a pigeon and a crow at home!” said a delighted Alex Fitzpatrick.

IMAGES: GRANT LEVERSHA/TYRONE WINFIELD/CARL FOURIE/SUNSHINE TOUR