Recently, news that made headlines is that from now onwards until end of 2016, a staggering R800m has been invested into the rejuvenation of the complex after years’. Yes, facelift, as we reported in the past.
Now, following suit is breaking news once again that the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge, has been given a new lease of life with the extension of the backing by Nedbank for the next three-years’ with an option to extend.
Yes, it seems the bank is smiling all the way to its BANK and of course, the ROIs!
As if that ain’t enough the purse has been increased and NGC has earned a place in the premier European Tour’s elite Final Series of the Race to Dubai.
Oh, a new date has also been penciled in by the organizers and players’ number will increase to 72 from original 32. Aha…
All this was revealed today by the head-honchos at both Sun International and Nedbank, respectively.
In 2016, the total prize money for the Nedbank Golf Challenge will be increased to $7 million, meaning this will be one of the richest golf tourneys in the world.
Also, the NGC will move from its traditional date in December to its new date of finishing on Sunday 13 November, the week before the final tournament on the Race to Dubai.
All this changes are effected to increase the brand equity of the prestigious golfing tournaments in SA and globally.
“The Nedbank Golf Challenge is the longest-running sponsorship in the bank’s history and is deserving of its place as the flagship event on the South African golf calendar. The tournament enables us to inspire local golfers and showcase South Africa and South African golf to the world.
Through ongoing innovation the tournament has evolved into one of the premier golf tournaments in world golf and we are proud to announce the renewal of our sponsorship. The announcement marks a significant next chapter as we move into perhaps the most exciting time in the history of this event with the Nedbank Golf Challenge now positioned the week before the final tournament on the Race to Dubai,” says Mike Brown, Nedbank chief executive officer.
“We’re very excited about this new era in the Nedbank Golf Challenge, the extension of our partnership with Nedbank and what this means for South African golf as the home of one of the biggest tournaments in world golf,” quipped Graeme Stephens, Sun International’s chief executive.
Since the inaugural Nedbank Golf Challenge in 1981, Sun City has hosted some of the most iconic players in the history of the game with the likes of Tiger Woods, having graced our shores.
“This is another major milestone in our very strong relationship with the European Tour and once again positions the Nedbank Golf Challenge and the Sunshine Tour at the forefront of world golf,” says Selwyn Nathan, executive director of the Sunshine Tour.
The NGC begins from December 3 to 6 at Gary Player Golf Course, Sun City Complex, Rustenburg-NW.
With no ticket increases for this year, visit www.nedbankgolfchallenge.com for various packages.