Michael Vlismas
The Gary Player Country Club course is ready to welcome 66 of the world’s top professionals for this week’s Nedbank Golf Challenge, with defending champion Max Homa leading one of the strongest fields in recent history as they battle it out for glory in ‘Africa’s Major’ at Sun City from today.
Homa, who last year became one of the few players in the history of the tournament to win on debut, forms part of a strong field of DP World Tour, PGA Tour, Sunshine Tour, Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup and Olympic Games stars gathered for this year’s tournament.
“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,” Homa said.
“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.”
The American is seeking to become the eighth player in the history of the event to successfully defend his title, and the first American to do so since Jim Furyk in 2005 and 2006.
The World No 35 is joined by fellow American Will Zalatoris, as well as 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,” Conners said.
“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.”
Hughes is just as excited to make his debut in this event. “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.”
This year’s field includes half of the top 20 players on last season’s DP World Tour Race to Dubai Rankings.
Thriston Lawrence, the World No 47, leads a strong South African challenge that also features Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Erik van Rooyen, Dylan Frittelli, Ockie Strydom and Brandon Stone.
Fellow SA players Ryan van Velzen, Robin Williams and Aldrich Potgieter are all experiencing their first taste of a tournament they grew up watching.
They are all seeking to become the first home 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,” said 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 is still driven to win a tournament of which he has fond childhood memories.
“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 back at a Gary Player Country Club where he won 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.”