The South African was grouped with Liverpool stars Andrew Robertson, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in a glittering group at Emirates Golf Club.

The English Premier League trio savoured being inside the ropes with the 2011 Masters champion.

“It was a pleasure playing with Charl, an amazing experience seeing how good he can play,” said Reds defender and Scotland skipper Robertson. “To play with the professionals is a real pleasure and to be able to play the Championship course in this condition is wonderful.”

When asked for his choice of champion for the 2022 edition, Robertson was torn between his playing partner Schwartzel and compatriot Robert MacIntyre, who finished third in last year’s tournament behind England’s Paul Casey and South Africa’s Brandon Stone.

“I hope Charl goes well now. That’s the first time I had played with him and as a Masters champion he is an incredible golfer. But I also hope Robert MacIntyre goes well for Scotland. Robert is doing Scotland proud in the golfing world and hopefully he can go on and win a couple of majors.”

Milner said the chance to test himself against a professional was something special. “It was a good round, it is always class to play with the big guys in these events; to see how well they hit it and play the course,” the veteran England international said. 

“It’s a great course here and a great set up, so it’s nice to get out and have a swing and show what you can do on some holes…and embarrass yourself on some others!”

Milner had one moment of pride when he matched Schwartzel on the iconic par-five 18th with a memorable eagle.

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