The 43-year-old overturned a six-shot deficit in the final round to win his second DP World Tour title 12 months ago.
But with Leopard Creek – host venue of the event since 2004 – undergoing a period of recovery, the tournament is returning to its historical roots in Johannesburg for this season alone.
Part of a strong home challenge, Norris is expecting a strategic challenge over the East Course at Royal Johannesburg, which has undergone a full revamp since it last hosted a DP World Tour event at the Joburg Open in 2017.
“It has always been a great golf course,” said Norris, who is enjoyed the relaxed nature of being able to stay at home this week in South Africa’s capital.
“All South Africans like this place. You need to hit it well off the tee and putt pretty solid this week to put up a good score there.
“It’s demanding. You are going to have to strategise a nice plan for the week, know when to take on pins and when to back off and play to the centres of the green.”
Norris comes into the second of back-to-back events in South Africa on a high after finishing fifth in his season opener at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in honour of Gary Player.
That followed on from a career-best finish on last season’s Race to Dubai Rankings Delivered by DP World, adding a runner-up finish and three further top tens to his victory on his way to finish 32nd on the 2025 standings.
While he concedes to feeling fatigued after a year that has seen him play across both a schedule across the DP World Tour, Sunshine Tour and Japan Golf Tour, he is hoping being close to home can help result in a strong performance.
“We always want to try and defend a tournament. It’s nice to be in Joburg, staying at home so it will be a little bit more relaxed.”
