The 2020 Nedbank Golf Challenge will take place from 3-6 December at the Gary Player Country Club as part of the revised European Tour schedule, which was announced on Thursday.
In a statement, the European Tour confirmed its plans for the resumption of the 2020 season after more than two months without any play due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year’s edition of Africa’s Major was due to start on 12 November at Sun City, but given the postponement of the Masters to that specific date, the indication was that the Nedbank Golf Challenge will be moved to a later date by the European Tour.
Being part of the Rolex Series and also the penultimate event on the Race to Dubai, a lot of significance is attached to the Nedbank Golf Challenge for players to make a final push in order to be crowned Europe’s best.
As previously reported, the new schedule will restart with the British Masters on 22 July and will be the launch of a six-week ‘UK Swing’ in order to safely accommodate overseas players.
British Masters set for European Tour return
Most of the events at the beginning of the schedule will be conducted in front of empty galleries, with all events subject to strict health and testing protocols.
European Tour CEO Keith Pelley said the organisers have worked closely alongside medical and government advisers in constructing the new schedule.
‘We have consistently said that safety is our absolute priority and that is why today we are announcing our resumption in two months’ time supported by a comprehensive health strategy which has been led by our medical team,’ said Pelley.
‘Without question we have had to think differently about the remainder of our 2020 season which is reflected in today’s announcement. As golf’s global Tour, diversity is ordinarily one of our biggest strengths, but in this instance it has become one of our biggest challenges.
‘Initially, therefore, based on the expert guidance we received, playing in clusters, in one territory, is the best option in terms of testing, travel and accommodation.
‘We recognise that when we resume playing golf, each player’s circumstances will be different. We therefore do not want to put anyone in a position whereby they feel they have no choice other than to play in certain events in order to protect their livelihood.’
