- English golfer Tommy Fleetwood will return to defend the Nedbank Golf Challenge title as the tournament makes its welcomed return.
- Africa's Major returns to Sun City in November with Fleetwood the last golfer to lift the trophy in 2019.
- Fleetwood says he is excited to go back and replicate his stunning playoff win in the co-sanctioned tournament.
Tommy Fleetwood will return to the Nedbank Golf Challenge as 'Africa's Major' celebrates its milestone 40th anniversary from 10-13 November.
The Englishman lifted the trophy in 2019 - the last time the event took place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Fleetwood will defend his title when the $6 000 000 (R94 million) event makes a much-anticipated return to Gary Player Country Club in Sun City.
In 2019, Fleetwood joined the glittering list of winners when he sealed his fifth DP World Tour title after coming from six shots back and winning a thrilling playoff against Swede Marcus Kinhult.
"I've had some fantastic experiences at the Nedbank Golf Challenge and I can't wait to get back to Sun City," said Fleetwood.
"I've been lucky enough to be able to call myself the champion for longer than usual, but I'm certainly looking forward to starting my defence in November.
"It was a great feeling to come through the field on that final day to lift the trophy. Add that to the top ten finish in 2017, which helped me on the way to becoming European Number One, and I certainly have some great memories of the tournament which I would love to replicate."
This year's Nedbank Golf Challenge will be the penultimate tournament on the 2022 DP World Tour schedule before the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
"We are delighted that the Nedbank Golf Challenge will make its long-awaited return this November. We look forward to once again working with our partners at Nedbank, Sun International and the Sunshine Tour as we welcome Tommy Fleetwood and golfing stars from around the world back to Sun City," said Keith Pelley, DP World Tour Chief Executive.
The winner of the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit will also receive a place in the 64-player field at Gary Player Country Club.
"Our partnership with the DP World Tour and Challenge Tour has provided us with incredible growth over the past season," said Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour.
"The return of the iconic Nedbank Golf Challenge is another significant moment for us as it provides our Order of Merit winner with another tremendous opportunity to compete in 'Africa's Major', as well as for our leading international stars to compete against the world's best on home soil."
The last edition of the Nedbank Golf Challenge in 2019 delivered record attendance figures and sold-out hospitality.
Ticketing information for the milestone 40th event will follow in due course.
"We're delighted to welcome back the Nedbank Golf Challenge to Sun City after a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic," said Anthony Leeming, Chief Executive of Sun International.
"'Africa's Major' is a showcase event for our flagship resort, and we're looking forward to celebrating the 40th edition of what has always been a very special partnership between Sun International and Nedbank. This incredible golf tournament has captivated South Africa and the world for decades."