Golf
‘Africa’s Major’ set to tee off─── MORGAN PIEK 07:03 Thu, 05 Dec 2024
“I’ve been looking forward to coming back. It’s incredible to see my name alongside past champions. The support I received, including being lifted by the ground staff after my win, was unforgettable. This event is truly special.”
The Gary Player Country Club is set to host 66 of the world’s top professional golfers for the 2024 Nedbank Golf Challenge from Thursday.
The defending champion Max Homa headlines one of the strongest fields in recent memory, as the tournament—affectionately known as ‘Africa’s Major’ — is the start of two weeks of exciting co-sanctioned golf, with it being the Alfred Dunhill Championship next week.
Homa, who was victorious by 4-strokes in his debut at the event last year, is eager to defend his title. “I’ve been looking forward to coming back. It’s incredible to see my name alongside past champions. The support I received, including being lifted by the ground staff after my win, was unforgettable. This event is truly special, and I’m thrilled to be here again,” he said.
Thriston Lawrence. Photo: Sunshine Tour
The world number 35 hopes to become only the eighth player to successfully defend the title and the first American to do so since Jim Furyk’s back-to-back victories in 2005 and 2006.
Joining Homa are fellow stars, including Americans Will Zalatoris and Canadian duo Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes.
“This is my first time in South Africa, and I’m excited for the experience,” said Conners. “I’ve heard great things about this event from players like Max, and I’m thrilled to be here.”
Hughes echoed the sentiment, marvelling at the unique atmosphere. “I’m honoured to be here, especially after receiving an invitation from Gary Player. Seeing wildlife like monkeys on the course is something we don’t get back on the PGA Tour!”
The tournament also boasts half of the top 20 players from last season’s DP World Tour Race to Dubai Rankings.
World number 47 Thriston Lawrence heads a strong South African contingent, which includes Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Erik van Rooyen, Dylan Frittelli, Ockie Strydom, and Brandon Stone. Rising talents like Ryan van Velzen, Robin Williams, and Aldrich Potgieter will also make their debut, inspired by watching the event in their youth.
Aldrich Potgieter. Photo: Sunshine Tour
Local players are eager to end a seven-year drought for South African champions since Branden Grace's 2017 win. Lawrence, coming off a standout season, is optimistic. “It’s been an unbelievable year, with five runner-up finishes and a top-five at The Open.
“Playing at home gives me confidence. The familiarity of this course provides a sense of calm that’s invaluable.”
Van Rooyen shares a deep connection to the tournament, having attended as a child. “I grew up watching this event and dreaming of lifting this trophy. It’s incredibly special to play here, and winning it would be a childhood dream come true.”
Bezuidenhout, who won the South African Open at this venue in 2020, is similarly motivated.
“This course suits my game. I’ve loved it since I first visited as an eight-year-old. It’s always an honour to play here, and I hope to add the Nedbank Golf Challenge title to my achievements.”
The first players will be on the tees at 09:21 on Thursday morning and they are Dylan Frittelli, Bernd Wiesberger of Austria and Pablo Larrazábal of Spain.
