Gary Player rarely keeps things subtle, but his latest social media video with Bryson DeChambeau genuinely caught the golf world off guard. Standing beside the two-time major champion, the 90-year-old South African legend shared some unexpected news: DeChambeau is making a surprise cross-tour trip this December. Player praised him as a “true global champion of golf,” teeing up an exciting return to a country where Bryson already delivered one of his most memorable performances of the year.
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In the video, the mystery quickly dissolved into celebration as DeChambeau officially confirmed he will headline this year’s Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City, marking return to the DP World Tour. “Mr. Player, it’s official. I’m coming back to South Africa to play in your event,” DeChambeau announced directly. For Player, bringing the long-hitting American into the field represents a massive coup.
“I am absolutely delighted that Bryson will compete. The South African crowds loved watching him play earlier this year, and it is wonderful to welcome him back to our incredible country,” Player wrote alongside the video. “Bryson’s passion, power and commitment to the game continue to inspire fans around the world.”
Bryson will get to try to show off his full power
The host venue, the Gary Player Country Club, couldn’t be better tailored for DeChambeau’s aggressive aerial attack. Stretching to nearly 7,800 yards, it stands among the longest and most demanding layouts on the international circuit. Originally launched in 1981 as the five-man Million Dollar Challenge, the tournament has evolved into “Africa’s Major”, a high-stakes $6 million showpiece that kicks off the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai season with a field blending European regulars and PGA Tour guests.
As Player noted with a grin during their exchange, the venue is practically built for the American’s firepower: “I think you’re going to see a golf course you’ll love. It’s long, which will be right up your alley.”
A Personal Invitation from the Legend
The invitation traces back to March, when DeChambeau beat Jon Rahm in a playoff at Steyn City. And Gary Player has not forgotten it.
“What you did at Steyn City, we haven’t seen other players do. It was remarkable,” he told Bryson. Actually, the nine-time major champion extended this invite himself. He also credited his friend, investor Reon Barnard, for helping bring it together.
“For you to come back to my tournament is a great honor,” Player added, underscoring how personally he views the appearance. “The people are going to be so excited when they hear you’re coming,” he added.
Why This Move Matters for DeChambeau
There’s a bigger picture behind the invite as well. DeChambeau’s LIV Golf contract runs out at the end of 2026. His next move has grown murkier since Saudi’s Public Investment Fund, which bankrolls the league, signaled it won’t keep funding LIV in its current form past this season. LIV has since reached an agreement with a new lead investor, though DeChambeau’s own path forward remains unresolved.
DeChambeau’s contract situation puts this invite in a different light. He’s testing new tours one start at a time. The first stop is a course that suits his game, at a tournament run by a friend he made in South Africa this year.