2023 Nedbank Golf Challenge: Power Rankings, Defending Champion, Prize Money, and More

Published 11/07/2023, 2:30 PM EST

DP World Tour’s Nedbank Golf Challenge is set to unfold in Sun City, South Africa, from November 9–12. The game will be played at the Gary Player Country Club, which is known for its challenging course. The much-anticipated tournament will offer a total purse of $6 million, and the individual champion will take $1,020,000 home.

A total of 66 players will battle against one another on the course during the four days of the tourney. The roster has some star-studded performers in line this year, and out of the 66 golfers, 60 are the top contenders from the DP World Tour Race to Dubai Rankings. What makes this year’s game interesting is the competition between these stars. Here’s a quick look at who you will get to see on the greens.

Who are the top contenders for the 2023 Nedbank Golf Challenge?

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DP World Tour season end is near, and so the golfing silo is buzzing with enthusiasm in their seats. This time around, the greens in South Africa will see the takeover of some very talented golfers. The field this time includes the defending champion, Tommy Fleetwood, along with other 2023 Ryder Cup players like American Max Homa and Justin Thomas. Let us now take a look at the top players who will be contending for the trophy.

1. Adrian Meronk: The winner of the 2023 Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters, Meronk currently sits in the 3rd spot on the Race to Dubai Rankings chart. The player this year has been on a roll, scoring two wins in his pro golf career in 2023 alone. The Polish player this year qualified for all four major tournaments but missed his cut at the Masters Tournament and the US Open. Seeing his feats this year, Meronk would be a top contender for the title and the trophy.

2. Ryan Fox: The pro golfer from New Zealand has had quite an eventful year. The player secured a PGA Tour temporary membership card this year, and not just that, he then won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth with a 67 in the final round. Fox also currently occupies the 4th spot on the Race to Dubai Rankings chart.

3. Victor Perex: The 31-year-old golfer won the Dutch Open in a playoff over Ryan Fox in 2022. He has had two victories on the European Tour thus far, and in 2023, Perez won the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship with a 66 shot in the final round. The French golfer is undoubtedly a fan favorite this time around.

4. Sami Valimaki: The winner of the 2023 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters will be raking the field this time around. The player’s pro career has seen three wins on the Pro Golf Tour and a win at the Oman Open in 2020 after defeating player Brandon Stone in a playoff. Currently, Valimaki sits in the 7th position on the Race to Dubai Rankings chart.

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5. Tommy Fleetwood: The golf pro is ranked 15th on the OWGR and 29th on the Race to Dubai Rankings chart. The golfer won the Nedbank Golf Challenge last year and successfully retook his 2019 title. This year, the play was on the Ryder Cup fray and scored an overall score of 3-1-0, which included his Sunday single win. Now Fleetwood looks to battle to keep his crown drawing on his great run this year.

The Gary Player Country Club in Sun City: A challenging course to tackle

The Nedbank Golf Challenge is going to be played at the Gary Player Country Club in Sun City. The course has been a renowned venue since 1981 and is considered one of Africa’s most challenging golf greens.

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The course was designed by golfing legend Gary Player, and it is a par-72 course that spans over 7000 meters from championship tees. The greens are constructed to USGA specifications and feature dramatic backdrops of the Pilanesberg Mountains and picturesque indigenous vegetation along the fairways.

The most remarkable title holder who also holds the course record is Englishman Lee Westwood, who shot a ten-under-62 during his victory in 2011.

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Currently, Rory McIlroy leads the Race to Dubai standings, and after this penultimate Nedbank Golf Challenge, the DP World Tour will conclude with the Tour Championship in Dubai on November 16–19. Who do you think would win the Nedbank Golf Challenge this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Written by:

Maheen Sajjad is a golf writer at EssentiallySports. Having blazed through the ranks of the ES recruitment drive, Maheen has turned heads with her journalistic endeavor, which put her on the pedestal as an Editor for her college newsletter. Her journey into the world of golf began in the cozy confines of her home, where she watched her grandfather's weekend golf games.

Edited by:

Sheldon Pereira

2023 Nedbank Golf Challenge: Power Rankings, Defending Champion, Prize Money, and More

Who are the top contenders for the 2023 Nedbank Golf Challenge?

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The Gary Player Country Club in Sun City: A challenging course to tackle