Retief Goosen is hoping to hit the ground running in 2011 as he prepares for the Africa Open.
The South African is excitedly anticipating the East London Golf Club tournament as he bids to start the new season with a bang.
Having won the event in 2009, the 41-year-old will be among the favourites to reclaim the trophy this year when he dons his golf clothing for the tournament, which starts on January 6th.
"Seeing as I missed last year, I'm coming back as a defending champion of sorts," he told Europeantour.com.
"I like to start the season in East London. It's a great tournament and I like the golf course, which is pretty obvious after 2009.
"It's a good place to get the season off to a fast start."
Last season was a positive one for the man they call The Goose, as he claimed six top-five finishes and moved up three places in the world rankings to 16th.