Daniel van Tonder is the first South African to be confirmed for this year’s Nedbank Golf Challenge, in honour of Gary Player, at Sun City from 4-7 December.
Van Tonder will make his second appearance in “Africa’s Major” following his debut in 2014, where he finished 29th. He also returns to a Gary Player Country Club course where he won the South African Open in 2021.
Van Tonder is the next player to be added to the field after 2024 champion Johannes Veerman from America confirmed that he would defend his title.
The 34-year-old Van Tonder booked his place in this DP World Tour showpiece event by winning the Sunshine Tour Courier Guy Order of Merit last season.
His first Courier Guy Order of Merit triumph capped an incredible season during which Van Tonder won four times, including twice on the HotelPlanner Tour, and also secured himself a DP World Tour card for next season.
“I’m looking forward to playing in the Nedbank Golf Challenge again. As a South African, you always know your career is headed in the right direction if you have a tee time at the Nedbank Golf Challenge,” said Van Tonder.
“It’s an iconic tournament that we all grew up watching and wanting to play in one day. I had my first chance in 2014 and I loved every second of that experience. It’s like playing in the Majors – once you’ve tasted it, you want to get back there.
“So I’m really looking forward to returning this year on the back of my most successful season ever on the Sunshine Tour.”
Van Tonder is looking to become the first South African champion of the Nedbank Golf Challenge since Branden Grace in 2017.
This year’s Nedbank Golf Challenge will once again feature the popular HospitaliTEE Lounge, offering an unrivalled viewing experience for fans.
The HospitaliTEE Lounge offers access to the day’s golf, an unlimited premium bar and buffet, a Nedbank Golf Challenge merchandise voucher, a seat on the VIP grandstand at the 18th green, live entertainment, daily prizes and a player autograph opportunity.
This enhanced fan experience is centrally located close to the public village, with an air-conditioned facility that brings the best of the Nedbank Golf Challenge to the comfort of the Lounge with indoor and outdoor seating and a live TV feed of the golf.