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- The 2020 Nedbank Golf Challenge has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
- This is the first time in 39 years that the event in Sun City will not take place this week.
- Tournament director Ken Payet told Sport24 that he was disappointed but understands the decision.
The European Tour confirmed this Friday the cancellation of the Nedbank Golf Challenge 2020 at the Gary Player Country Club in Sun City.
Known as the ‘African major’, the event will now take place in 2021 when the tournament celebrates its 40th anniversary.
“This was a very difficult decision for us to make, but we are making it in the best interest of the tournament and of everyone involved in it. The Nedbank Golf Challenge has always been much more than just a golf tournament,” said Mike. Brown, CEO of the Nedbank Group.
The Nedbank Golf Challenge was to run on a rescheduled date of December 3-6 with Englishman Tommy Fleetwood as the defending champion.
Talking to Sport24 On Friday, tournament director Ken Payet stated that it was impossible not to host the event due to the coronavirus outbreak.
“We just felt the timing was not right, there were too many risks and uncertainties. We felt it would be better to cancel this year’s event and hopefully we will be in a better position in 2021,” Payet said.
“It is disappointing, but it is the right decision under the circumstances.”
The date for the 2021 Nedbank Golf Challenge has yet to be confirmed, however Payet revealed that it will keep the November / December period.
“The calendar is constantly changing, it is inactive for November next year, but it could possibly change. We are not sure how many events there will be next year, but it is too early to speculate, we will see how it goes.” Payet said.
Nine-time main champion and tournament host Gary player stated in a press release that he fully supports the decision made by the European Tour, Nedbank and Sun International.
“I am sure that the European Tour, Nedbank and Sun International would have done everything they could to try to ensure that this year’s Nedbank Golf Challenge could go ahead, and that this is a decision that they would not have taken lightly,” he said. Player. .
“The Nedbank Golf Challenge is a tournament we are all very proud of, and if postponing it for a year allows us to present an even better Nedbank Golf Challenge in 2021, then I fully support it.”
Keith Pelley, Executive Director of the European Tour, said: “The Nedbank Golf Challenge is a spectacular event showcasing many of the wonderful elements that South Africa brings to the world of golf. To ensure that the tournament is the best it can be for the players and all of our stakeholders, it is right that we wait until such time that we can celebrate the 40th anniversary in the right way. ”
Meanwhile, the European Tour has added three new tournaments in Europe as part of its renewed 2020 season with the Cyprus Open (October 29-November 1), the Cyprus Classic (November 5-8) and the Scottish Open (15 -October 18).
– Compiled by Lynn Butler
