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 No 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 5-8 December, 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 point-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 Player, the South African sporting legend and nine-time Major champion 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,” said Player. “The tournament has become the premier professional golf event in South Africa, attracting top players from around the world since the 1980s.
“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.
Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images
