ST ANDREWS, Scotland - Talking in terms of South African currency, there is a small fortune to be made, the equivalent of R11-million, for the winner of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship beginning on Thursday over the Old Course at St Andrews, nearby Kingsbarns and Carnoustie.
The money aside, this European Tour event features a pro-am running alongside the main tournament and, for the 26 South African professional golfers in the line-up, it offers them a unique opportunity to partner with some of the big names in the entertainment and business world for four days of superb links golf.
Haydn Porteous, for instance, loves his music and to have renowned Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres as his partner in a fourball that also includes legendary singer, song writer and actor Huey Lewis – he of The Power of Love fame – well, it's going to be a blast for Porteous.
Talking about big names, big is the operative word with respect to the players in Jaco van Zyl's group. He partners genial giant Scahlk Burger senior, the former Springbok lock with hands the size of baseball mitts, with former world heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko also in the fourball. Apart from packing a killer punch, the Ukranian is passionate about his golf and is a keen chess player.
Brandon Stone, hoping to "Make mine a double!" in this part of the world after his stunning Scottish Open triumph in July, has famous American art dealer Alex Acquavella as his amateur partner, in a group that also includes Padraig Harrington and his amateur, JP McManus, one of Ireland's richest men.
Ernie Els is with his dad, Neels, Branden Grace partners tournament boss and Richemont chairman Johann Rupert, with Tommy Fleetwood also in their group, while Louis Oosthuizen has Sunshine Tour Commissioner Selwyn Nathan as his partner.
Trevor Immelman and Dean Burmester also have actors as amateur partners, Burmester with Matthew Goode, and Immelman alongside "As Good As It Gets" Oscar nominee Greg Kinnear.
🗣️ @TheBig_Easy: “This is always a special week for me. Just being in St Andrews for this golf tournament and all the great friends coming together - there is no better occasion.” #dunhilllinks pic.twitter.com/gbn4Ud3wRS
— Alfred Dunhill Links (@dunhilllinks) October 2, 2018
George Coetzee is with former rugby Springbok Rob Louw who, being a keen surfer himself, was smiling when the draw was made because his own sporting hero, surfing legend Kelly Slater, is the other amateur in the fourball. Slater, 11-time world surfing champion, is also a mean golfer. He's playing off an adjusted two handicap this week and has been known to break 70 on his day.
Jacques Kallis, though, is the celebrity that everyone believes is the hottest amateur golfer in the pro-am. He made a mountain of runs in his day, took hundreds of wickets, and now he's making birdies – loads of them. He plays off an adjusted scratch handicap in Scotland.
🎥 “It’s a dream come true!”
🥊 Fantastic to have you back playing with us, @Klitschko! pic.twitter.com/YyUyYzegE4
— Alfred Dunhill Links (@dunhilllinks) October 2, 2018
South Africa's Wendy Appelbaum is also taking part. She chairs the De Morgenzon Estate, a wine farm and agricultural business in Stellenbosch. She founded the Wendy Appelbaum Foundationm which drives programmes addressing the health and education interests and concerns of South African women.
In 2015 she was named Forbes Businesswoman of the Year and Forbes Africa Woman of the Year. Good golfer too, playing off an adjusted six handicap. Her pro this week is South Africa's Louis de Jager.
Getting some much needed practice in for @dunhilllinks @TaylorMadeGolf @TaylorMadeSA pic.twitter.com/VoyHnHIIEi
— Jacques Kallis (@jacqueskallis75) October 2, 2018