Na banks himself a spot in strong Challenge field
THERE won’t be a Tiger – Tiger Woods that is – at the Nedbank Golf Challenge this year, but there may well be a leopard.
In announcing that US PGA star Kevin Na will be in the 30-man lineup at Sun City from December 4-7, tournament director Alastair Roper yesterday revealed that a leopard has been visiting the Gary Player Country Club recently, and had killed a warthog.
Wildlife aside, Na becomes the first American to confirm his place in this year’s field, and heads to Sun City currently ranked 26th in the world. A five-time winner on the PGA Tour since turning professional in 2001, he is currently enjoying his most successful year yet with earnings of over $3,1-million (about R34m) to date.
Na joins an already world-class field for this year’s Nedbank showpiece, including exactly half of the victorious European Ryder Cup team as well as two Major winners and three former world No1.
“We are delighted to welcome Kevin to his first Nedbank Golf Challenge, and especially with him being in such great form at the moment,” said Roper,
A second American could join the elite line-up, as Roper is currently in discussions with young US sensation Brooks Koepka, who won the Turkish Open on Sunday.
“We’re also waiting to hear from Adam Scott, Ernie Els and Sergio Garcia – the deadline for those players who qualify to play is Thursday this week – but as in previous years, the tournament clashes with Tiger Woods’ event in America.
“What’s more, Tiger has moved his tournament from California to Orlando and a good many top players live in the Orlando area so it’s much more convenient for them to play there than to fly out to Africa.”
Fourteen players in the 30 man field, have now been confirmed for the Challenge: Na, defending champion Thomas Bjorn of Denmark, Germany’s Martin Kaymer – who won at Sun City two years ago – Lee Westwood, Luke Donald and Ross Fisher of England.
South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel and Sunshine Tour Order of Merit winner Dawie van der Walt, Asian Tour leading money-winner Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, Jamie Donaldson of Wales, who was runner-up to Bjorn last year, hugely talented Frenchman Victor Dubuisson, Scot Stephen Gallacher, Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand and – a real scoop – veteran Miguel Angel Jimenez from Spain known for his colourful personality as well as his birdies will also participate.
The remainder of the players who will play in Africa’s Major will to a large extent be decided after the European Tour’s season-ending event in Dubai this week, while the winner of next week’s Cape Town Open at Royal Cape will also join the line-up.