South africa gets six tournaments

South Africa has replaced Spain as the jewel in the European Tour crown after being given six tournaments on the 2012-13 schedule released by officials on Sunday.

The new campaign kicks off with the inaugural Nelson Mandela Championship in Durban from Dec 6-9 before moving on to the Alfred Dunhill Championship at the Leopard Creek Country Club in Malelane a week later.

South Africa also stages the Volvo Golf Champions event in January, plus three tournaments in February and March - the Joburg Open, Africa Open and the new Tshwane Open in Centurion.