Ernie to embrace the big Challenge
GARY: I LOOK FORWARD TO SHAKING THE BIG MAN’S HAND
South African golf legend Ernie Els will bring added star power to an impressive field at the Nedbank Golf Challenge – the seventh Rolex Series event on the 2019 Race to Dubai – from November 14-17.
The four-time Major winner has enjoyed great success at the Gary Player Country Club, claiming the title three times – in 1999, 2000 and 2002. He became the third three-time winner of the event – after David Frost and Nick Price – while Lee Westwood became the fourth player to join that stellar list last year by wrapping up a hat-trick of victories for his maiden Rolex Series triumph.
Els’ most recent Nedbank Golf Challenge victory came just a few months after he triumphed in The Open for the first time, adding to the two US Open titles he had claimed in 1994 and 1997.
The former world No 1 famously went on to lift the Claret Jug a second time in 2012, making it 71 career victories worldwide, including two World Golf Championships and a record seven World Matchplay titles.
Els will also tee up for the 40th anniversary of Sun City and Gary Player Country Club as the current Captain of the Presidents Cup International Team, which will take on Tiger Woods’ United States side in Melbourne in December.
Els said: “It’s always a pleasure to play in South Africa and particularly at the Nedbank Golf Challenge. I’ve got some great memories of the tournament – particularly from my three wins – and I’m pleased I’ve been able to support the event.”
Gary Player, the tournament host, said: “I am thrilled that golf fans will once again be treated to seeing one of the finest golfers in history competing at the event.
“Ernie’s success in the Nedbank Golf Challenge is perhaps outshone only by his constant and loyal support of this tournament over the years, which has been invaluable.
“I look forward to shaking the big man’s hand on the first tee once again.”