Homa set for Nedbank Golf Challenge return

Max Homa will return to defend his Nedbank Golf Challenge title when ‘Africa’s Major’ moves back to its traditional December slot at Gary Player Country Club.

The World Number 15 secured an impressive four-shot victory on his Nedbank Golf Challenge debut last November, and he will aim to repeat that “dream week” when he tees it up once again in Sun City from December 5-8, 2024, as the tournament forms part of the 2025 Race to Dubai.

Homa claimed his first DP World Tour win at Sun City as he rounded off a standout year in 2023, in which he collected his sixth PGA TOUR title and finished as Team USA’s top points scorer on his Ryder Cup debut.

“I said last year that I remembered watching the Nedbank Golf Challenge on TV when I was growing up, so finishing with the trophy in my hands was the perfect end to a dream week,” said Homa.

“It was awesome to have the chance to travel to South Africa, to experience a new place and to meet so many amazing people, and I am very excited to come back to Sun City to defend my title.

“Gary Player is a golfing legend, who has given so much to the game, so winning a tournament that he is associated with made it even more special.”

The Nedbank Golf Challenge has been a highlight of the South African sporting calendar since its first edition in 1981, and is held in honour of South African sporting legend and nine-time Major champion Gary Player, who has been associated with the event since it’s inauguration more than 40 years ago.

“As I reflect on the Nedbank Golf Challenge, I am reminded of its profound impact on golf in South Africa after launching 'Africa’s Major' over four decades ago with Sun City founder Sol Kerzner. The tournament has become the premier professional golf event in South Africa, attracting top players from around the world since the 1980s,” said Mr Player.

“I also am very proud to be the course’s designer as it continues to stand the test of time. But beyond the competition, it has made a significant charitable impact on South Africa, supporting causes close to my heart, including the Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation. This event represents the realisation of a dream that has inspired countless others.

“The Nedbank Golf Challenge has always brought together great players, and their participation underscores the tournament’s prestigious legacy. It’s incredible to see this event continue to inspire future generations, as it has done since the days when legends like Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer first graced our course.

"The spirit of this tournament lives on in every young golfer, especially South Africans, who dream of one day competing here against the best players in the world. I am deeply grateful to our 2023 champion, Max Homa, for committing to return to Sun City to defend his title. No doubt this will be another spectacular occasion which puts a much-deserved spotlight on South African golf.”

Last year Homa joined a glittering list of Nedbank Golf Challenge winners, as he became the first American winner since Jim Furyk triumphed in back-to-back years in 2005 and 2006.

European Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood enjoyed wins in 2019 and 2022, joining stars such as South African golfing icon Ernie Els – a three-time winner - the legendary Seve Ballesteros and Major Champions Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam, Sir Nick Faldo, Retief Goosen, Trevor Immelman and Danny Willett.

The Nedbank Golf Challenge is once again included on the DP World Tour schedule in partnership with Nedbank and Sun International.

Jason Quinn, Chief Executive Nedbank, said: “The enduring legacy of the Nedbank Golf Challenge lies not only in the outstanding quality of its champions, but in the number of those champions who have returned to defend a title close to their hearts.

"Max Homa is welcomed back warmly as one of these champions. His victory last year was surpassed only by the wonderful sentiments he expressed about South Africa, which resonates so much with Nedbank as a proud supporter of our country.

"We look forward to another phenomenal week at the magnificent Sun City resort and with the iconic Gary Player and his contribution to South Africa being celebrated with a world-class field on the DP World Tour.”

Anthony Leeming, Chief Executive Sun International, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Max Homa back to Sun City as he seeks to defend his Nedbank Golf Challenge title, and with the legendary Gary Player no doubt ready to welcome him onto the first tee when he does so.

"The only thing better than having an international star such as Max leave with such wonderful memories of Sun City and South Africa is his strong desire to return. Our Sun City crowds loved seeing him compete at the iconic Gary Player Country Club and he brought an exciting new dynamic to the tournament with a rare victory on debut in this event.

"His presence in this year’s field will add significantly to this Sun City showpiece and make for another unforgettable week on the DP World Tour for the golfers, their families and the fans and with our loyal partners Nedbank.”

This year the Nedbank Golf Challenge offers a new luxury public Hospitali-TEE Lounge option. Fans can take their Nedbank Golf Challenge a step beyond the normal day visitor experience and book to watch the tournament in style in a brand new hospitality lounge located close to the Public Village and offering an air-conditioned facility with indoor and outdoor seating, a live feed of the golf, and catering throughout the day.

The package fee will include an official entrance ticket to the Nedbank Golf Challenge, accreditation for exclusive access to the Hospitali-TEE Lounge, a premium buffet including breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks, a fully stocked open bar, an all-day coffee station, a live television feed of the golf, daily live entertainment, a daily player autograph opportunity, a sunscreen station, daily prizes and competitions, and official Nedbank Golf Challenge merchandise.