Gary Player to host Nedbank Golf Challenge on the course he created at Sun City

MORE than 35 years after he designed the course on which it is played, Gary Player will be the official host of the Nedbank Golf Challenge.
Gary Player with Grant Wilson, left, Chief Operating Officer, Sunshine Tour, and Keith Waters, right, Chief Operating Officer, the European Tour (Picture: Getty Images).Gary Player with Grant Wilson, left, Chief Operating Officer, Sunshine Tour, and Keith Waters, right, Chief Operating Officer, the European Tour (Picture: Getty Images).
Gary Player with Grant Wilson, left, Chief Operating Officer, Sunshine Tour, and Keith Waters, right, Chief Operating Officer, the European Tour (Picture: Getty Images).

Dubbed Africa’s major and hosted by golfing legend Player, the Nedbank Golf Challenge will be played from November 10-13 at the Gary Player Country Club at Sun City in South Africa’s North West Province, and will form the second leg of the lucrative three-part Final Series of The European Tour.

Known as South Africa’s greatest-ever sportsman, Player was only the third golfer after Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen to win all four major championships, the career grand slam of golf. Only Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have since matched the feat.

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“I’m honored to be so closely associated with such an important tournament in my homeland,” said Player. “I’m proud that the Gary Player Country Club continues to provide the challenge for some of the world’s best players to show off their talents, and I’m especially pleased that this will happen in South Africa.”

Since its inception in 1981, the tournament has attracted some of the greatest modern golfers, and its roster of champions includes Sheffield's Danny Willett, in 2014, Severiano Ballesteros, Nick Price, Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Ernie Els.

Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer of the European Tour, said: “Gary Player is synonymous with the Nedbank Golf Challenge, so it is fitting that his name is officially attached to the title.

“He brings so much to the event – and to golf in general – and inspires so many players, so we are delighted to have him on board in this official capacity.”