Ryder Cup rookies heading to Nedbank Golf Challenge

The duo formed part of Luke Donald’s triumphant European Team at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club last month, both contributing points towards the stunning 16 ½ - 11 ½ victory in the Eternal City.

Højgaard and MacIntyre will join teammates Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose, as well as American pair Max Homa and Justin Thomas, in the field at Gary Player Country Club as ‘Africa’s Major’ returns for its 41st edition in Sun City.

The US$6 000 000 event is the penultimate tournament on the 2023 DP World Tour schedule, carrying an increased number of Race to Dubai Ranking Points as the 66-man field vies for a place in the season-ending DP World Tour Championship.

Højgaard, who will be joined by twin brother and four-time DP World Tour winner Rasmus in South Africa, is aiming for a strong finish to the year as he looks to climb the Race to Dubai Rankings in partnership with Rolex.

“South Africa is such a special place to play golf and I am really looking forward to heading back to Sun City next month,” Højgaard said.

“The people are so friendly and the golf course is amazing, so it’s always a fun week. Being able to play a tournament which Gary Player is associated with is an honour and something we all relish.

“I’ve had a pretty consistent year and hopefully I can finish it off over the next few weeks with some more good results.”

Scotsman MacIntyre has also enjoyed a consistent season with six top tens to his name, including a second place at the Genesis Scottish Open, and he would love nothing more than to secure a third DP World Tour win before the year’s end.

“I came close to winning in Scotland earlier this year but that is about as close as I’ve come, so I’d love to go one further and get another win under my belt,” he said.

“I always enjoy going down to Sun City and competing against a quality field. It’s such a great setting and I played well on my debut in 2019, so hopefully I can draw on those memories this year and give it a good go.

“Gary Player is an icon of our game and to have his name associated with this event can only be a good thing. We’re all grateful for his support of this event and I can’t wait to return next month.”

The Nedbank Golf Challenge has been a highlight of the South African sporting calendar since its first edition in 1981, with defending champion Fleetwood among a glittering list of winners including South African golfing icon Ernie Els – a three-time winner of the event - the legendary Seve Ballesteros, and Major Champions Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam, Sir Nick Faldo, Retief Goosen, Trevor Immelman and Danny Willett.

The 2023 Nedbank Golf Challenge will once again be included on the DP World Tour schedule in partnership with Nedbank and Sun International and will be the penultimate event before the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.

The winner of the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit will receive a place in the 66-player field at Gary Player Country Club.