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Big names threaten Noren's Sun City defence

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Alex Noren (Gallo Images)
Alex Noren (Gallo Images)

Cape Town - Sweden's Alex Noren will tee up this week in Sun City looking to successfully defend the Nedbank Golf Challenge at the Gary Player Country Club.

Noren made his debut appearance in the event last year and pulled off a stunning final round to clinch the trophy.

The world No 16 posted a closing round of 63, which included an eagle and eight birdies, to win the tournament by six shots.

Noren looks back on the victory with fond memories. 

"It's such a good feeling of the last time I was here," Noren said on Tuesday.

"I couldn't believe that I actually won it because I was a lot of shots back before the last round, and you know, so everything went very quick and then I was off to the next tournament. Then you come back here and it's almost like you let it sink in a bit more."

This year, Noren is up against a strong field, which includes four major champions. The event will also provide an exciting finish to the Race to Dubai standings, which Englishman Tommy Fleetwood is currently leading. 

READ: Bookies fancy Englishman for Sun City glory

Noren, who is currently eighth in the Race to Dubai standings, has had a stellar 2017 season playing in 18 events to date and recording a European Tour victory at the BMA PGA Championship in May.

At the famed Gary Player Country Club golf course, the 35-year-old is expecting the same conditions as last year and hopes to sink plenty birdies.

"I haven't seen the place this year... Last year, I would say the wind was quite strong at times, and the greens are quite small," said Noren.

"Like they hide the pins out on the edges. I think when you try to be too aggressive, it can bite you in the back.

"Yeah, I think overall, you have to play pretty good to shoot low, and then it is - you can make birdies out there but I think you have to know your way around."

The Nedbank Golf Challenge gets underway on Thursday, November 9.

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