Stephen Browne, who turned professional in October, has been rewarded for some studious preparation in South Africa in recent weeks by qualifying to play in the South African Players' Championship, which starts at Royal Cape Golf Club today.

Among the other players in the quality field are Ernie Els and US Open champion Retief Goosen while US Tour player Rory Sabbatini will be making his first appearance on South African soil for three years.

Browne earned his place among the elite field by heading the tournament pre-qualifying at Rondebosch, where he shot a five-under-par 67 to finish at the head of the 129-man field.