During the 2011 tournament, we took a 360° photo of the 18th hole on Sunday, 4 December 2011! Were you there or know anyone that was? If yes, tag yourself and you could win a Bulova men/ladies watch to the value of R6 000!

Simply tag yourself in the photo, like the official Nedbank Golf Challenge Facebook page and you could be the lucky winner.

Terms and Conditions:

1. The prize is a Bulova watch to the value of R6 000.
2. In order to qualify for the prize, you need to tag yourself in the photo on the Nedbank Golf Challenge website and like the official Nedbank Golf Challenge Facebook page (www.facebook.com/NedbankGolfChallenge)
3. The competition closes on 31 December 2011 at 10am and the winner will be announced shortly afterwards.
4. The winner will be announced on the Nedbank Golf Challenge Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/nedbankgolfchallenge), the Golfatsun Twitter account (www.twitter.com/golfatsun) as well as the Golf at Sun Blog (http://golfatsun.suninternational.com)
5. The winner must be prepared to consent to the use of their photographs in promotional material.
6. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
7. The winner will be notified by email. The winner is required to confirm receipt of the prize within 7 (seven) days of such notification failing which Sun International reserves the right to award the prize to another participant.
8. The prize must be collected from Sun International Head Office, 27 Fredman Drive, Sandown, 2146
9. The winner must be 18 years or older.
10. The prize is not transferable and may not be exchanged for cash.
11. The competition is open to residents of South Africa only.
12. No member/employee/sub-contractor/partner/agent/service provider/concessionaire and the like of Sun International Management Limited and/or any of their affiliated companies, and/or agencies, and/or members of their immediate family; nor members of the sponsors of any competition listed on this page, and/or any of their affiliated companies and/or agencies, and/or members of their immediate family may enter the competition. 13. All entries are subject to acceptance of these terms and conditions as well as Sun International Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions as published on www.suninternational.com

Alastair Roper from Sun International and Mike Brown from Nedbank hands over a cheque to The Sports Trust for R1 000 000

Each year, “Africa’s Major” also makes a major contribution to sports development in South Africa.  One of the vehicles for this is The Sports Trust Golf Challenge, which is played on the Monday following the Nedbank Golf Challenge.

The participating amateur golfers, including leading businessmen and celebrities, play the Gary Player Country Club exactly as it was set up for the final round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge.  But the true winner is The Sports Trust.  Funding for The Sports Trust is derived largely from this golf day, which raises over R1-million each year for the Trust.

Sun International, in partnership with Nedbank, is one of the founding trustees of The Sports Trust, which since its inception has sponsored over 200 sports development projects and invested over R40-million in sports development throughout South Africa.

2011 Nedbank Golf Challenge winner, Lee Westwood

Lee Westwood became only the sixth player in Nedbank Golf Challenge history to successfully defend his title when he won by two strokes at the Gary Player Country Club on Sunday.

With a final round of 73 for a total of 15 under, Westwood joined Seve Ballesteros (1983 and 1984, David Frost (1989 and 1990), Nick Price (1997 and 1998), Ernie Els (1999 and 2000), and Jim Furyk (2005 and 2006) as the only players to have defended their titles in the 31-year history of this event.  “I’m delighted. It’s a great tournament to win. You just have to look at the names on the trophy to realise how special it is. It’s not the winning margin that is important to me, but it’s the coming back and defending the title that is so satisfying,” said Westwood.

Sweden’s Robert Karlsson finished second on 13 under with a closing 68, while Jason Dufner and Graeme McDowell shared third place on 11 under.  But the title was destined to go the way of Westwood following his brilliant 62 in the third round, which earned him a seven-stroke lead going into the final day.  McDowell and Dufner did their best to make a contest of it. McDowell started well with three birdies in his first four holes, and made birdies at holes nine and 10 to try and apply some sort of pressure to Westwood.  And Dufner birdied 10 then holed out with his second from down the fairway on the par-four 11th.  Westwood threatened to give them a chance when he bogeyed 12 and then left himself a 10-foot putt to save par on 13. He made the putt, and was four ahead of McDowell and Dufner.  But both his challengers faltered at the par-four 15th, each with a double bogey there that ended their challenge.  Karlsson made his own run over the closing holes with three birdies, and a single bogey, from the 14th.

2011 Nedbank Golf Challenge winner, Lee Westwood receiving his cheque

But such was Westwood’s lead that he could afford to bogey 17 and 18 and still win by two.  “It wasn’t going to be easy going out with a big lead. When you’ve got a big lead you’re never sure how to play. I tried to break it down and hit fairways and greens. I kept it on the safe side whenever I could, and on the back nine I tried to play conservatively. That 62 was so special and I was never going to replicate it.” 

Westwood also enjoyed the local support he received.  “I seem to have a lot of fans down here and have had a lot of support since I’ve been coming down here since 1994. It was great out there and they were right behind me.  “I’d love to be the first to win three in a row. But I want to enjoy this one first. I’ll have a couple of glasses of champagne on this one.”

Lee Westwood

In the middle of one of the greatest rounds in Nedbank Golf Challenge history, Lee Westwood turned his attention to an equally great plate of stir fry.  Westwood’s championship record of 10-under-par 62 in the third round was one of the historic moments in the 31-year history of this event. He started his round with three birdies in his first four holes, made three birdies over the turn from the ninth, and then went on a run of four consecutive birdies from the 14th.  It has given the Englishman a convincing seven-stroke lead at 16 under par going into Sunday’s final round.

Such was Westwood’s confidence on the Saturday that the weather delay of an hour-and-a-half had no impact on him at all. In fact, it seemed to inspire him.  He was three under and on the eighth tee when the siren sounded.  “What crossed my mind when the siren sounded? I thought it was a good time for lunch,” he said of the interruption. “They do a great stir fry in the Player’s Lounge. I was three under when I went in for lunch and shot seven under when I came back out. I was just trying to stay in my own little world and keep hitting good shots.”

Westwood’s 62 is the lowest official round in Nedbank Golf Challenge history. In 2001, Padraig Harrington posted a 61 in the third round. But the round did not count as an official record as there was placing on the fairways.  And a host of players have carded rounds of 63, including Nick Watney in 2009, Henrik Stenson in 2008, Ernie Els in 2002 and Sergio Garcia in 2001 (again, Garcia’s round also did not count as an official record because of placing that year). On Sunday Westwood has the chance to add his name to another bit of Nedbank Golf Challenge history.

He can become only the sixth player in 31 years to successfully defend his title. Seve Ballesteros was the first to do so in 1983 and 1984, followed by David Frost, Nick Price, Ernie Els and Jim Furyk.

Lee Westwood

Charl Schwartzel

South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel was looking for a big day and started strong when he nearly holed his bunker shot for eagle on the par-five second, with the ball hitting the flagstick and leaving him a tap-in for birdie. But he went on to sign for a 68, placing him at six under going into the final day.

Mark Calcavecchia wins the Nedbank Senior Challenge by a single stroke at the Gary Player Country Club

Mark Calcavecchia stormed through the field with a sublime 67 to win the Nedbank Senior Challenge by a single stroke at the Gary Player Country Club on Saturday.

The American beat off a strong challenge from Ian Woosnam to finish on nine under par and claim his maiden victory in this popular event. Woosnam missed a 25-foot birdie putt at the last to force a playoff.  It was a sweet victory for Calcavecchia as he returned to a golf course where he finshed second to Bernhard Langer in the regular Nedbank Golf Challenge in 1991.  “I enjoyed myself immensely 20 years ago. I finished second to Bernhard Langer then, so it was good to be on the other side of that this year. I remembered most of the golf course and knew I liked it, and I’m very happy with this win,” he said.

Calcavecchia didn’t let a weather delay of an hour and a half deter him at all and kept his mistakes to a minimum in the final round of this 54-hole tournament.  “I didn’t make any mistakes and I played pretty smart. I didn’t hit it in any spots where I had to struggle for pars.”

Ian Woosnam closed with a 70 to finish on eight under alongside Bernhard Langer, who signed for a final round of 71.  Nick Price closed with a 71 to share fourth place with David Frost on three under par. There was certainly no doubting who Price’s caddie was supporting. The man known as “Tiger” was wearing a popular clothing retailer’s red cap – Mr Price. 

Defending champion Jeff Sluman finished in a share of sixth place on two over. “You always want to beat your buddies, but it’s a bonus to have been here again. This is a world-class event,” he said.  It was a feeling echoed by Mark O’Meara, who despite finishing last thoroughly enjoyed the experience.   “It’s been fantastic. It’s really been a thrill to come back to South Africa and Sun City. The course has become longer as I’ve grown older, but it’s still in such good condition.”

SA sizzling weekend of the Nedbank Golf Challenge looms large under the African sun, and it’s already been a memorable 31st tournament for the elite field of professionals and Champions Tour players.

Nicholis Louw

The sounds of rock band Just Jinjer have been ringing out through the Hospitality Village, and have been accompanied by performances from other leading musicians such as Prime Circle, Nicholis Louw and Kurt Darren. And top comedians Stuart Taylor and Barry Hilton have been entertaining the fans.

The famous Nedbank Golf Challenge Beach Party was another huge success enjoyed by the players, although tournament leader Graeme McDowell has kept himself in check as he heads into the weekend seeking victory. “I can’t enjoy the Castle as much as I would like, or the great South African wine,” he said. He would do well to sample some of David Frost’s excellent wine. Frost is relishing his time on the Champions Tour and being back at Sun City for the Nedbank Senior Challenge, which he says gives him something to do in his later years. “I see a guy like Tom Kite out there hitting golf balls from dawn until dusk, and I’ve thought that’s maybe not what I want to do after golf. So I asked Gil Morgan what he’ll do when he retires, and he said, ‘I enjoy gardening and spending time with the grandkids’. That’s not going to do it for me either. Hopefully me getting into the wine business will give me something to do after golf,” he said.

Former SA Open Champion, James Kingston, George Schwartzel and Charl Schwartzel catching up at the Beach Party.

It’s set to be a hot weekend on the fairways, and defending champion Lee Westwood has a bit of tongue-in-cheek advice for the rookies in the field on how to handle the Gary Player Country Club and the heat. “It’s nearly impossible to win on your first outing here,” he said by way of encouragement. “This golf course takes a lot of learning and experience is key. Things jump out at you from the bushes, even if you’re on the fairway. It can be brutal out there. It’s obviously very hot, and it’s important not to drink any water.”

Italy’s Francesco Molinari has a lot of catching up to do on the weekend. But he is equally honoured to be making his debut in this tournament following his brother Edoardo’s appearance last year. “I didn’t want to be the only one in the family not to have played in the Nedbank Golf Challenge,” he said. There’s no doubt it’s going to be a weekend of world-class golf and entertainment.

Graeme McDowell

There is nothing like getting your game sharp against 11 of the best players in the world, and that’s what Graeme McDowell is looking forward to as he takes a one-stroke lead into the weekend of the Nedbank Golf Challenge.  A 67 at the Gary Player Country Club on Friday lifted McDowell to seven under and one clear of Jason Dufner, Martin Kaymer, Robert Karlsson and Lee Westwood.  South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel struggled to a 74 to place him at two under through 36 holes.

But as much as McDowell is focused on the job at hand, he also has an eye on next week’s Dubai World Championship. And that’s where he’s hoping that mixing it up with 11 of the world’s best this weekend will come in handy.  “The intensity level is really cranked up here, so this is good preparation for me for next week’s tournament. As a result I can’t enjoy the Castle as much as I would like, or the great South African wine. I’ve got one eye on next week, but one eye on this weekend as well. I’d love to put my name alongside some great names on this trophy. But there are some quality golfers in this field and I’m going to have to play well on the weekend.” 

McDowell has set himself a target of 15 under to win this tournament.  “I’m kind of surprised nobody has got it to double digits yet. I think a round of five, six or seven under par is on out there. I’m thinking 15 under is my target to have a realistic chance of winning.”  McDowell started the second round with a birdie at the first and then parred his way to the ninth tee. He laid the platform for his charge into the lead with birdies at nine, 10, 11 and 13, then pulled his drive into the bush on the par-five 14th.  “My second shot can only be described as an air shot. There’s no dressing that one up. My ball was sitting on a rock. I contacted an inch behind the ball, hit the rock and my club bounced right over the ball.”
It was bad luck, but he did enjoy some good fortune earlier in the round.

On the eighth, McDowell also pulled his drive off the tee and it was headed for the bush when it hit a tree and bounced back into the fairway, from where he made par. And he chipped in for birdie on the 13th. After the double on 14, McDowell responded with birdies at 16 and 18 for the lead.  “It was a calm and quiet front nine and then an exciting back nine. I’m right in the mix, but it’s such a bunched leaderboard.”

Further down the leaderboard, Darren Clarke produced a remarkable back nine of six birdies, a bogey and two double bogeys on his way to an adventurous 69 and overall total of one under. 

The Nedbank Seniors Challenge is also still fiercely contested going into Saturday’s final round of this 54-hole event. Germany’s Bernhard Langer leads by a single stroke on seven under over Ian Woosnam. And Langer, easily the best senior golfer on the planet at the moment, is relishing the opportunity to claim a victory against such a quality field, and on a course where he has such fond memories. “Winning is always special. It never gets old. It would be fantastic to beat this field. There are the best Champions Tour players in the world here. The only one missing is Fred Couples, otherwise you have pretty much everyone who should be here. It’s strong competition, and it’s always good to beat the best.”

The Expo Centre at The Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City

The Nedbank Golf Challenge prides itself on being the ultimate golf experience for not only the invited professionals, but also the thousands of fans who stream into Sun City for this annual event.  And these expectations are met from the minute you step into the Nedbank Golf Challenge Expo Centre on your way to purchasing a ticket.

The Expo Centre showcases all things golf, including the latest fashion items such as a belt with a pitchmark repairer clipped into the stylish buckle, to individual swing analysis sponsored by Nedbank, and even some of the greatest memorabilia to be found in the game.

One of the more popular stalls is the Best of Golf South Africa, which offers great golfing memorabilia for the serious collector – such as the R200 000 Masters collage and signatures from 1957 champion Doug Ford to 2009 winner Angel Cabrera – as well as affordable items such as framed individual player photographs from the Nedbank Golf Challenge’s 30th anniversary tournament in 2010.  “This is our fourth year in the Expo Centre and we’re very happy with the response every year,” said stall owner Ruth Haremza, who is originally a professional from England and is a former winner of the Girls British Open Amateur Championship.

There’s even an opportunity to get the most up-to-date weather forecast through one of the new stalls this year – Golfweather.com.  “The vibe here has been amazing,” said Moshe Adir, owner of Golfweather.com. “This is a fantastic exhibition facility. It’s very well laid out and the flow of people has been great.”  Adir has himself had a memorable Nedbank Golf Challenge.  England’s Lee Westwood was so interested in his offering that he downloaded the iPhone application for it.  “I didn’t think this event could get any better, until that happened,” said Adir.

Charl Schwartzel

As the only South African in the field, Charl Schwartzel soaked up the support he received from the fans on day one of the Nedbank Golf Challenge on Thursday.

Schwartzel opened with a 68 to share the first round lead with defending champion Lee Westwood. But he did admit that what started out as a strong gallery quickly disappeared when he made a double-bogey seven on the ninth. “There were quite a few people to start with, then I made seven and they disappeared. Then I made four birdies in five holes on the back nine and they were back again. Coming down the last two or three holes there was a nice bunch of people following me.

“Being the only South African in the field is nice. It helps when things aren’t going your way and people still motivate you. Everyone wants you to play well, and people shouting your name and urging you on makes you give it that little bit extra.”

Soundclip – Interview with Charl Schwartzel