NEDBANK GOLF CHALLENGE: all you need to know

The Nedbank Golf Challenge, affectionately known as “Africa’s Major,” tees off at the iconic Gary Player Country Club, promising drama, star power, and a celebration of global golf.

As the DP World Tour season nears its climax, Sun City becomes the stage for a high-stakes showdown where history, ambition, and local pride collide.

DATES: 4-7 December

VENUE: Gary Player Country Club, Sun City

BROADCAST DETAILS

* Stream the action LIVE on DStv *

Day 1 - Thursday 4 December

Main Feed | SS Golf & SS Grandstand | 11:00 - 16:30

Day 2 - Friday 5 December

Main Feed | SS Golf - 18:00 - 16:30

Day 3 - Saturday 6 December

Main Feed | SS Golf - 11:00 - 16:30

Day 4 - Sunday 7 December

Main Feed | SS Golf - 11:00 - 17:00

THE GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT

Leading the international charge is Viktor Hovland, making his much-anticipated debut. The Norwegian Ryder Cup hero brings precision and power to a course that rewards both. His aggressive style could ignite fireworks on the par-5 ninth and the risk-laden 18th.

Marco Penge, the only three-time winner on the DP World Tour in the 2025 season, has added his name to the field, with the Englishman set to make his debut at the end of his breakthrough year.

With his three wins in China, Denmark and Spain, Penge finished the season in second place on the Race to Dubai Rankings, 30th on the Official World Golf Ranking, and earned dual membership on the PGA TOUR.

He heads to Sun City as the 2026 season gets up and running as the next highest-ranked player in the field after Norwegian Ryder Cup star Viktor Hovland, who is also making his debut at Sun City.

HOME HEROES ON A MISSION

South Africa’s hopes rest on a formidable line-up: Thriston Lawrence, fresh off his fifth DP World Tour win, and Christiaan Bezuidenhout, a proven performer under pressure.

Rising star Aldrich Potgieter, who nearly stole the show last year, returns as a PGA Tour rookie with something to prove. For these players, victory isn’t just about points—it’s about pride.

Rising South African star Christo Lamprecht has received a personal invitation from Gary Player to compete in the event.

DEFENDING CHAMPION AND NEW FACES

Johannes Veerman shocked the field in 2024. Can he repeat the feat and join legends like Ernie Els and Lee Westwood as multiple winners? Meanwhile, rookies such as William Mouw and Karl Vilips aim to use Sun City as a springboard to global recognition.

THE COURSE

The Gary Player Country Club golf course will feature several changes to this iconic layout when it welcomes this year’s field of professionals.

As part of the ongoing drive to enhance the player and spectator experience, Gary Player has personally overseen key strategic and aesthetic changes.

“When it comes to the Nedbank Golf Challenge we’re synonymous with providing both a great spectacle and challenge for the players. Mr Player has been instrumental in making these changes. These players are the best in the world and we want to keep challenging them while also keeping the balance that it remains exciting for the fans to watch,” said Ken Payet, the tournament director.

Bush has been cleared from the right side of the par-three fourth hole, showcasing more of the green and water hazard from the tee. “From the tee it really opens up the hole and makes it even more visually appealing,” said Payet.

The par-three seventh has a new tee complex, with the professional tee pushed back 25 metres. “We’re very excited about this change because it offers some great tee options in relation to flag position,” said Payet. Bush has also been cleared on the left of the hole, and a bunker at the front left of the green has been removed.

WHAT’S AT STAKE

With a $6 million purse and crucial Race to Dubai points on the line, the Nedbank Golf Challenge is more than a tournament—it’s a statement. For some, it’s a chance to cement legacy; for others, it’s the gateway to the next level.