Garcia heading back to Sun City

SERGIO Garcia is set to return to the Nedbank Golf Challenge hosted by Gary Player – the penultimate Rolex Series event on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai – for the first time since 2013 when he joins the field in November.

The Spaniard is a two-time winner of the prestigious tournament, with those victories in 2001 and 2003 coming prior to its becoming an officially sanctioned European Tour event, while his most recent appearance at the Gary Player Country Club five years ago yielded a runner-up finish.

Garcia, 38, has since become a major champion following his momentous victory at the 2017 Masters Tournament – one of three European Tour titles to his name in a careerdefining campaign last year.

Garcia’s last visit to Sun City was thrilling for the South African spectators because he made an almighty front nine charge on the final day to move right into the mix – six birdies, including four in a row before the turn, took him out in 30.

His final-round 65 was only matched by Ryder Cup European captain Thomas Bjorn, the third-round leader who claimed a two-stroke victory over Garcia and Welshman Jamie Donaldson, with Garcia now looking forward to challenging once more for the famous trophy.

“I am really looking forward to returning to the Nedbank Golf Challenge later this year,” the 14-time European Tour winner said.

“It’s such a huge event with a great history and some unbelievable champions on the trophy, and I am proud to be on that list as a twotime winner.

“Obviously I came close last time out in 2013, and it was disappointing to come up just short, but at the same time I can only take positives from that final round.

“I love the course at Gary Player Country Club and Sun City, and I love playing in front of the knowledgeable and supportive crowds there, so I’m very excited to return.”