Practice Day… The Atmosphere is Building

There is a real buzz of excitement in the air here at Fancourt as the 55 competitors arrive from all over the globe to compete in the World Final of the Volvo World Golf Challenge.

Today is practice day – a chance to take a first look at the beautiful par-72 Montagu Course which will stage the 36-hole Stableford competition tomorrow and on Thursday. And whilst the players will all be battling for the honour of being crowned World Champion, there is the added excitement of playing for a place in Friday’s Amateur-Pro Team Competition. The best-placed golfers at the close of play on Thursday will get the chance to play with two stars from the European Tour who this week are taking part in the Volvo Golf Champions over the neighbouring Links Course. The chance to play with reigning Open Champion Darren Clarke, with local hero Ernie Els or any of the other proven tournament champions is an irresistible draw.

It has been a little more overcast today which has given the new arrivals a relatively gentle introduction to the local climate and been less sapping on energy levels as the competitors played 9 or 18 holes to familiarise themselves with the course and playing conditions. The early feedback from those getting to see the course for the first time is that it is a wonderful test of golf that is presented in tip-top condition, a special course that warrants its place hosting such an important event.

A thrill, or perhaps for some a bit of a scare, was the arrival at lunchtime of Luigi, a cheetah who paid a visit with his keepers from the nearby Cango Wildlife Ranch. Happily, this exquisite creature was very relaxed and seemed more than happy to be photographed.

This evening’s informal welcome dinner will provide the opportunity for finalists to mingle, relax, begin new friendships, and enjoy some friendly local hospitality before an early night to prepare for the test that lies ahead.

Tomorrow sees the opening shots fired in the battle to become World Champion and head the final field of the Volvo World Golf Challenge; it will be very interesting to see who raises their game when the pressure is on and when so much is at stake.