Christiaan Bezuidenhout of South Africa walks on the seventh hole during the second round of the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club Nine South Africans led by Thriston Lawrence and Christiaan Bezuidenhout (pictured)will tee it up at the Nedbank Golf Challenge Picture: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP
Image: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP
Nine South Africans led by Thriston Lawrence and Christiaan Bezuidenhout will tee up at the Nedbank Golf Challenge (NGC) starting at Gary Player Country Club, at Sun City, on Thursday.
A local player has not triumphed at the NGC since 2017 when Branden Grace was victorious, and SA’s top-ranked Lawrence at number 47 in the world will hope he can be the one to make local fans proud.
Since then a couple of Englishmen, Lee Westwood (2018) and Tommy Fleetwood (2019, 2022) before American Max Homa lifted Africa’s major last year.
In fact, since the NGC became part of the European Tour in 2013, now DP World Tour (DPWT) Grace has been the only SA champion.
Hoping to break that SA drought, Bezuidenhout said the event was a special one on the calendar.
"It's always been a highlight. I remember coming here for the first time in 2003 as an eight-year-old boy,” said Bezuidenhout who is ranked 55th in the world.
"I always dreamt of playing the Nedbank Golf Challenge and it's always a privilege to be back. It's always special for the South African boys.
"I've always liked this place. You have to drive it straight which is a strong part of my game, I've always managed to keep it in play here and if I can just get the ball on the greens, they're rolling really well this week so I'll just look to give myself chances.
SA number three Erik Van Rooyen echoed the sentiments of Bezuidenhout.
"It's awesome. I've been home for about two weeks and got to Sun City on Sunday, there's nothing quite like it,” said Van Rooten
"As a kid I came here a few times, watched Ernie [Els] win, watched him lose in a play-off to Sergio [Garcia] as well one year so lots of fond memories.
"It's without a doubt one of the premier tournaments that we have to offer so it's just an absolute pleasure being here.
"I live in Florida now full-time and it doesn't look like this. When I come here it's good for my soul. I love being in the bush, we're going on a game drive tomorrow morning, it's just fantastic.”