- The 2020 Nedbank Golf Challenge in Sun City has now been rescheduled to 3-6 December
- The European Tour announced its resumption of their 2020 season, which will get underway from 22 July
- Tournament host Gary Player shared his delight and believes that the tournament will do so much good for tourism
The European Tour has announced a new date for the Nedbank Golf Challenge as part of its revised 2020 schedule.
‘Africa’s Major’ is one of four rescheduled Rolex Series events and is now set for 3-6 December at the Gary Player Country Club in Sun City.
READ | European Tour announces start date for resumption of 2020 season
It will remain the penultimate tournament of the European Tour season and will be followed by the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, which will now take place from 10-13 December at Jumeirah Golf Estates, where the 2020 Race to Dubai Champion will be crowned.
Tournament host Gary Player was among the first to express his delight about the new date for the Nedbank Golf Challenge.
“I am so excited that a date has been set for the Nedbank Golf Challenge,” said Player.
“It’s one of South Africa’s favourite sporting events. I’m sure the public will be as elated as I am. The tournament does so much good for tourism and advertising our beautiful country. I’m eternally grateful for the European Tour and all our sponsors involved.”
Mike Brown, Chief Executive Nedbank Group, said: “Despite the unprecedented challenges that we are currently facing in overcoming the Covid-19 pandemic, we trust the 40th anniversary of the Nedbank Golf Challenge – now back in its early December timeslot – will give millions of South Africans and sports fans around the world something very special to look forward to. Our brand has become synonymous with ‘Africa’s Major’, a showcase of our country to the world and a household name in the world of golf having played host to the world’s leading golfers. As Nelson Mandela reminded us – Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”
Anthony Leeming, Chief Executive Sun International, said: “This has been an unprecedented time for all of us in golf, and we’re grateful to the European Tour, Nedbank and all of our partners in working together to ensure that we can still present the 2020 Nedbank Golf Challenge. The Nedbank Golf Challenge is a week in South African sport that brings tremendous joy to so many people and we look forward to continuing this in such trying times for everybody. As a showcase event for us as a resort and one that we take immense pride and pleasure in, we look forward to hosting another edition of ‘Africa’s Major’ in a safe and responsible manner and in ongoing consultation with the South African government and relevant health departments.”
The Nedbank Golf Challenge will also form part of the European Tour’s new ‘Golf for Good’ initiative, which will include all European Tour tournaments from July until December. ‘Golf for Good’ aims to give back in four key areas:
– Helping the communities in which the European Tour plays
– Rewarding the true heroes, such as frontline key workers
– Raising funds for specific causes
– Highlighting once again the many health benefits that golf offers
In South Africa, these ‘Golf for Good’ contributions will be directed towards the local charities and Corporate Social Investment initiatives supported by the Nedbank Golf Challenge and Sun International.
