England's Lee Westwood is the first world No1 to play at the Nedbank Golf Challenge since Tiger Woods lost a dramatic play-off to Nick Price in 1998.

In the 30th edition of the glamorous limited-field event at the Gary Player Country Club at Sun City, which carries a $5-million prize fund, Westwood arrives as the planet's top player after a successful season based on consistency rather than wins.

The 37-year-old won the St Jude Classic on the PGA Tour and finished second at the Masters and British Open, to continue a string of high finishes at the majors. Since 2009 he's had two seconds and two thirds at the game's elite events, but has yet to secure a breakthrough victory.

The Worksop professional is a regular visitor to this country and has always been a popular competitor. But until recently he was seen as a talented golfer, not a genuine superstar.

That perception has changed with his new-found status as the world's best player after ending Woods's 281-week reign at the top. Some argue that Woods ended it himself as his life unravelled after sensational stories emerged about a string of mistresses, ending in divorce.

But that would be unfair to Westwood, who has worked hard at his game, his mental approach and his physical fitness to finally fulfil his undoubted talent.

Ironically, when he officially became the world's best golfer on November 1, he was recovering from a calf muscle injury.

"It's a dream everyone has to say 'there is nobody better than me at the moment'," Westwood said after taking over the No1 ranking.

Regarding the one glaring hole on his CV, the lack of a major title, Westwood remains philosophical.

"Winning majors is something you learn to do," he said. "You get into position as often as possible and try not to make the same mistakes again."

Not that those tournaments will be at the front of his mind this week. There is the small matter of a $1.25-million winner's cheque to chase against a strong field.

Among the 12 players assembled for "Africa's major" are three former winners - defending champion Robert Allenby, three-times winner Ernie Els and 2004 champion Retief Goosen.

Els, in 16 starts at Sun City, has amassed a staggering $7971000 in earnings and will add at least $250000, the prize for coming last.