Burmester bids for hat-trick of South African wins

The late, great Seve Ballesteros is the last player to win three consecutive events on the European tour, the five-time major winner claiming the Irish Open, Monte Carlo Open and French Open in 1986.

Rory McIlroy also tasted victory in three consecutive starts in 2014, the world No.2 taking a week off to enjoy his Open Championship triumph before returning to action with wins in the Bridgestone Invitational and US PGA Championship.

Burmester's wins in the Joburg Open and South African Open have lifted him to 77th in the world rankings and made him a clear favourite to complete the hat-trick at Leopard Creek.

"I'm very happy and blessed to be able to come to a place like this and enjoy it and do what I love," Burmester said.

"The only way you'll ever understand what Leopard Creek is, is by getting the opportunity to come here personally.

"We get to play golf on a perfectly manicured golf course and then every time I get to the 13th green here (which overlooks Kruger National Park) I almost always shed a tear."

Burmester will face stiff opposition from a field packed with fellow South Africans, including defending champion Ockie Strydom and tournament specialist Charl Schwartzel.

Schwartzel has won the event a record four times and also finished second on four occasions.

The former Masters champion also holds the tournament record of 24 under par and the biggest margin of victory of 12 shots, both set in 2012.

Australian Associated Press