The East Course is hosting an international amateur tournament this week, the first of three big events in coming months which will test its championship credentials. Next up the Sunshine Tour on February 20. Course in good condition and the rough forgiving, so scores could be low, although why the amateurs are playing No 1 (472) as a par 5 defies logic when they are hitting short irons for their seconds. In fact, other than No 6 (530), the East’s par 5s are inadequately short by highveld standards. Royal have completed work on the par-3 16th to beautify this hole. An attractive rock wall has been built along the edges of the dam and fronting the wide green.