Schwartzel returns to favoured course

Golfers do not normally like it when they win an event and then are told that their title defence will be on a different course.

But that is not the case for South African Charl Schwartzel this week – he is merely switching one successful course for another.

After lifting the Madrid Masters at Club de Campo last October he begins his bid for two in a row today at Centro Nacional, the venue for his 2007 Spanish Open victory.

The 25-year-old’s triumph last year was one that could so easily have never happened – he considered withdrawing before the second round due to a virus and a shoulder injury.

A phone call to his father George changed his mind and the rest, as they say, is history as Schwartzel went on to card a bogey-free closing 66 to capture the title by three from Argentina’s Ricardo Gonzalez.

“There are only good things that have happened to me on this course, so it frees your mind – I know I can win there,” he said.

“My game is in good shape. I’ve had a good year, but I’m trying to turn it into a great year and I need a win to do that.”

Irish pair Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley will hope to carry forward some of their form from last week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, but the two favourites are former Ryder Cup partners Sergio Garcia and Luke Donald.