NEDBANK GOLF CHALLENGE
T HE GARY PLAYER COUN- TRY CLUB golf course has undergone the most signifi- cant enhancements in its history ahead of the 2026 Nedbank Golf Challenge in honour of Gary Player, and as part of Sun International’s extensive investment into this iconic Sun City layout. The GPCC will have an entirely new first hole, 67 metres longer than the original from the back tee, and a new dedicated practice range for the NGC from December 3 to 6. The 470-metre par-4 has been con- structed parallel to the original first (which was 403 metres), but higher up along the bottom reaches of the moun- tainside on the left. The range has been constructed on the site of the original first hole. There will also be a new prac- tice putting and chipping green behind the practice range tees. The total length of the course for this year’s tournament could be close to 7 400 metres, compared to 7 211 in 2025. Other changes to the course include: • New professional tees on the third, sixth, eighth, 10th, 14th and 15th. • All greenside bunkers are being refur- Changes to Gary Player CC include new first hole and range
proach for the second shot to the left of the ninth fairway will allow players to see more of the waterfall and far left pin position on the green. In addition, a new spectator view- ing area has been created between the neighbouring seventh and 12th greens, both par 3s. New walkways have been created through the natural bushveld linking the greens to the new profes-
bished with Bunker Armour. • A new greenside bunker has been con- structed on the par-4 eighth. • There is a new fairway bunker com- plex on the uphill par-4 13th. • A new bunker to the right of the par-5 14th fairway. • The dam alongside the par-5 second hole has been enlarged. On the par-5 ninth, a more open ap-
64 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator