Spain's Pablo Martin says its one of the top three golf courses on the European Tour, if not the best. England's Robert Rock says its only second in his book to the Old Course at St Andrews. There's no doubt that Leopard Creek - host of this week's Alfred Dunhill Championship - is an inspiration for the professionals gathered for this event.
Martin, who is hunting his third successive win here following his triumphs in 2009 and 2010, says the Leopard Creek course excels in its ability to provide a good test while remaining enjoyable.
"I just think it's a very good design overall. It's definitely in the top three courses that we play all year on the European Tour, if not the best," he said on the eve of Thursday's first round.
"There are so many shots out there that are good fun. I'm afraid we don't see that many golf courses like this today. We tend to play some very boring courses. We just play longer and longer courses. You play these
American-style courses where every hole is the same and you feel like you've played that hole a thousand different times on a thousand different golf courses. This course is the exception. It's fun. There are a lot of shots where there's drama. Everybody likes drama."
Martin has certainly provided some of that drama in his last two triumphs. In the third round in 2009, he made an incredible par from the bridge on the 18th on his way to the lead.
The Spaniard hit a four wood for his second into the treacherous par-five 18th green - which is surrounded by water - and was lucky for it to finish on the bridge. He was able to chip from the cart path and went on to make a solid par.
And last year he produced more of that swashbuckling Spanish golf to win again.
"I'm not saying this because I won here, but if I had to play this course the rest of my life, it would be fun to play this game."
Rock, who claimed his maiden European Tour victory in the Italian Open in June, has always performed well at Leopard Creek.
He hasn't finished outside the top 20 here since 2006, and in the last three years he's finished no worse than eighth.
"This is my favourite venue, apart from St Andrews. I always come here expecting to do well. Now that I've won a tournament, I feel like I can close the week out here."
But he does admit the wildlife takes some getting used to.
"In my first year here I stayed in a house on the estate. The place was great, but the outside noises kept me awake a bit. Now I prefer to stay in a place in Nelspruit."
George Coetzee will be one of the South Africans hoping to wrest the trophy from its European grip of the last few years.
Coetzee is looking for a strong finish to the year in this and next week's South African Open.
"I'm looking to push hard the next few weeks to finish high up on the Race to Dubai, and if I could sneak a win that would be nice."
golf365.com