The Gary Player Country Club course is able to welcome 66 of the world’s prime professionals for this week’s Nedbank Golf Challenge.

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Defending champion Max Homa leads one of many strongest fields in latest historical past as they battle it out for glory in ‘Africa’s Major’ at Sun City from December 5-8.

Homa, who final yr turned one of many few gamers within the historical past of the Nedbank Golf Challenge to win on debut, types a part of a powerful area of DP World Tour, PGA Tour, Sunshine Tour, Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup and Olympic Games stars gathered for this yr’s match.

The first tee-time is at 09:21.

“I’ve been looking forward to coming back here. It’s been great to be the defending champion of this tournament, and to see my name alongside all the others on the walkway up to the ninth green. The ground staff lifting me in the air after my win was quite incredible. I’ve been telling everybody how great this event is, and I’m happy to be back,” stated Homa.

The American is looking for to turn out to be the eighth participant within the historical past of the match to efficiently defend his title, and the primary American to take action since Jim Furyk in 2005 and 2006.

The world quantity 35 is joined by fellow American Will Zalatoris in addition to the Canadian duo of Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes.

“This is my first time in South Africa and I’m looking forward to a great experience here this week. I’m really excited to be here, to travel to a new place and meet new people. I’ve heard so many great things from fellow players on the PGA Tour like Max about this event and South Africa, so it’s a place I really wanted to come to,” stated Conners.

Hughes is simply as excited to make his debut on this occasion.

“I received the invitation from Gary Player and am honoured to be able to play here. I’ve seen some wildlife on the golf course which has been great. Monkeys on the golf course is not something we see every day on the PGA Tour.”

Strong native problem

This yr’s area consists of half of the highest 20 gamers on final season’s DP World Tour Race to Dubai Rankings.

Thriston Lawrence, the world quantity 47, leads a powerful native problem that additionally options Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Erik van Rooyen, Dylan Frittelli, Ockie Strydom and Brandon Stone, whereas Ryan van Velzen, Robin Williams and Aldrich Potgieter are all experiencing their first style of a match they grew up watching.

They are all looking for to turn out to be the primary dwelling winner of ‘Africa’s Major’ since Branden Grace in 2017.

“It’s been an unbelievable year for me. I didn’t win but had five second places and a top five in The Open, and it’s still been one of my best seasons,” stated Lawrence.

“I’m growing as a golfer and person and becoming more comfortable on tour. Playing with big names like in this event makes you more comfortable just by placing yourself in those situations, and that makes you a better golfer. We have a few tournaments on the Sunshine Tour that we play here, so just knowing the golf course gives you that feeling of calmness out there. It definitely gives you that home advantage.”

Van Rooyen remains to be pushed to win a match of which he has fond childhood recollections. “I came here as a kid a few times. I watched Ernie (Els) win it once, and watched him lose to Sergio (Garcia) in a playoff. Every time I play here it’s extremely special. Watching this event my whole life, it’s the trophy you want to win as a South African.”

Bezuidenhout is again at a Gary Player Country Club the place he received the South African Open in 2020.

“I’ve always liked this golf course. You have to drive it straight here, which is a strong part of my game. I have fond memories here, so hopefully I can tick the box with the Nedbank Golf Challenge this week. I remember coming here for the first time in 2003 as an eight-year-old boy. I always dreamt of playing in the Nedbank Golf Challenge, so it’s always a privilege to come back here now as a player.”

Gary Player will take up his common place on the primary tee field on Thursday, welcoming a number of the world’s finest gamers to a match that continues to be very particular to him.

“I’m always in awe when I come back to Sun City. I’d like to thank everybody who has played a vital role in this tournament. Golf gives South Africa more publicity than any other sport. We have great golf ambassadors, and last year Max won and spoke so highly of South Africa.”

Who’s your decide for victory this week?

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