Charl Schwartzel says he has a “good feeling” about this week’s Johannesburg Open and is targeting a third consecutive title at his ‘home’ event (Schwartzel 7/2 Tournament Outright).

The 27-year-old has dominated the event for the past two years, winning by six shots in 2010 while claiming a four-stroke victory 12 months ago.

He missed last week’s Africa Open, allowing compatriot Louis Oosthuizen to defend his title but, with the 2010 Open champion not in the field this week, the stage is set for Schwartzel to become only the fifth player on the European Tour to win the same event three years running.

The Johannesburg-born star enjoyed his best season to date in 2011, with nine top-10 finishes, while claiming his first major at the Masters.

He ended the year with three consecutive top-10 finishes and, with only a handful of household names, including Retief Goosen, in this week’s line-up, he will be the man to beat (Goosen Evens Top 10 Finish).

Professional golfers travel the world and live out of suitcases in hotels but Schwartzel will be able to sleep in his own bed at night for once after each round.

And the fact that he knows the course like the back of his hand is another reason why the seven-time European Tour winner will be raring to go at the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club on Thursday.

“It is a course I played many times as an amateur and junior so it is always nice to come back,” he said. “I always have a good feeling when I compete there and staying at home is cool.”