Stenson arrives at Sun City

Swede Henrik Stenson has arrived in South Africa ahead of this weekend’s Nedbank Golf Challenge where he will attempt to win the tournament for a second time.
Stenson was unable to defend his title at the SA Open Championship last month because of a wrist injury, but has since recovered and has completed a practice round at the adjacent Lost City Golf course.
The Race to Dubai and Fed-Ex Cup winner forms part of a 30-man field which includes Brandon de Jonge of Zimbabwe who qualified after the winner of the Alfred Dunhill Championship, Charl Schwartzel, who would gain automatic entry, had already qualified for the event at the Gary Player Country Club.
De Jonge has been in solid form during the PGA Tour and will be joined by Darren Fichardt who is another first-timer having made the field as the leader of the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit.
Meanwhile Germany’s Martin Kaymer is back to defend his title and described participation in the even as an honour.
“You look at all those great names on the bronze plaques on the walkway to the ninth green, and it’s nice to know mine will be on there as well,” Kaymer told tour officials.
Reminiscing about his first experience at the prestigious tournament, local favourite Charl Schwartzel revealed that picked up something of great value at the tournament he first attended with his father.
“I was watching Ernie Els putting on the practice green. Then he left to tee off, leaving behind his golf ball. So I nipped under the rope and stole it,” said Schwartzel.
On a more serious note, he said that the tournament will remain a highlight on his calendar.
“It really is a special event. I rate the tournament highly. I think for a South African to play the Nedbank it’s big.”
Latest
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.
-
News
Rory McIlroy insists Justin Thomas will ‘try to be better’ after homophobic slur
World number three Thomas was heard using a derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt in Hawaii.
-
News
Rory McIlroy sad to miss Conor McGregor fight
Rory McIlroy has been to UFC star Conor Mcgregor’s last three fights but will miss Saturday’s clash due to European Tour commitments.
-
News
Rory McIlroy backs Tiger Woods to make quick recovery from latest back surgery
McIlroy expects the American to be fit for the Masters in April.
-
News
Tiger Woods focusing on return to PGA Tour after undergoing fifth back operation
The 45-year-old will miss the Farmers Insurance Open and the Genesis Invitational.
-
News
Lee Westwood resumes bid for record-equalling 11th Ryder Cup appearance
The 47-year-old occupied one of the automatic places in the team before the golf was stopped due to Covid-19.
-
News
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew turns to Golfer’s CBD in pursuit of further success
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew believes Golfer’s CBD could play a vital role in her future success.
-
News
Sponsor Ralph Lauren drops Justin Thomas following homophobic slur in Hawaii
The world number three uttered the derogatory word towards himself after missing a putt at Kapalua last weekend.
-
News
Bryson DeChambeau keeping brain relaxed to avoid repeat of Masters misery
DeChambeau said his brain went into overdrive at Augusta National.