The 38-year-old Spanish player will be teeing it up at Sun City for the first time since 2013.

El Nino is a two-time champion of Africa’s major after winning the tournament in 2001 and in 2003.

Michael Vlismas of the Sunshine Tour told OFM Sport that Garcia will be attempting to become the first European player to win a hat-trick of titles.

“It is fantastic to have Sergio Garcia back in the field, it’s the first time since 2013 that he is back at Sun City.

“He is a two-time winner. In both of those tournaments he beat South Africans. Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, and in both of them it happened in play-offs.

“He is a favourite of South Africa golf, and South Africans to love him. This despite the fact that he has taken out two of their favourite sons in this event.

“Interestingly he is coming back to South Africa looking to become the first European to win the tournament three times, so a lot is riding on his return.

“It will be very exciting.”

The 2018 Nedbank Golf Challenge in the Pilanesburg tees off on 8 November.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport