At 3,721 feet, the air is thin and the wind speed is higher. Little wonder then that the Gary Player Golf Course in Sun City, South Africa presents a stiff challenge to the golfers, especially the first-timers. Due to the altitude, the par-72 golf course that measures at 7,834 yards, actually plays at around 7,500 yards.

Justin Thomas is a two-time Major champion. But he is making his debut at the Nedbank Golf Challenge, a DP World Tour event, which is currently being played at the Gary Player Golf Course. The American made an honest confession about negotiating the altitude and wind in South Africa.

Justin Thomas on NGC’s playing conditions

“It is tough. I think the thing that makes this place so hard, I heard is that wind switches a lot. But it does. I’m seeing it for foursomes. I think the last hole was a great example. That was a really easy wedge shot and you have to be so precise when trying to calculate the altitude and wind,” the 30-year-old said in an on-course interview, posted on the DP World Tour’s X handle.

What exactly happens, when a golfer misses the fairways here? This is something that makes even the regulars at this tournament a tad concerned. According to golf tipster Steve Bamford, missing the fairways at NGC could be hazardous.

“I know it’s at altitude which does clearly bring that yardage down circa six-to-eight per cent but it is a driver heavy golf course and if you are missing fairways here you can get yourself into some serious thick rough, bushes, trees, all manner of hazards,” Bamford told the europeantour.com.

Thomas, though, is confident about playing himself into title contention, the degree of difficulty and his first appearance at this event notwithstanding. A month-long absence from competitive action can be a deterrent, but he is taking the tournament seriously.

Two’s company

Thomas is not alone as regards to making his debut at the NGC this year. Fellow American Max Homa, too, is making his first appearance at the tournament that teed off on Thursday, November 9. In fact, the World Number 8 is the highest-ranked player at the event. A close pal of Thomas, the duo has 21 PGA Tour wins between them. They also went on a safari trip with their wives before the event.

Read more: 2023 Nedbank Golf Challenge: Location, How to Watch, TV Schedule, and More

The NGC has a 66-player field and this is the last chance for the players to rise into the Top 50 in the Race to Dubai Rankings. Tommy Fleetwood is the defending champion, aiming a hat-trick. With the given playing conditions, it remains to be seen who comes up trumps at the golfing event.

Watch this story: Ahead of Facing Past Rivals Max Homa and Justin Thomas, DPWT Pro’s Unflinching Journey to $1.025M Crown Shines Through