Share

NGC cap weekend attendance to ensure ultimate fan experience

accreditation
Nedbank Golf Challenge (Supplied)
Nedbank Golf Challenge (Supplied)

Sun City - The Nedbank Golf Challenge at the Gary Player Country Club is not about the number of people that flock to Sun City, it's about creating the best fan experience, according to tournament director Ken Payet

The fan experience at this year's tournament is exceptional with various activities, a wide arrange of entertainment and dining options over and above the top-class golf on offer. 

Last year, "Africa's Major" broke all previous attendance records with 72 000 fans attending thanks to the major drawcards of Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia.

Payet, who has a been the tournament director for the past two years, revealed that they have decided to cap the weekend to allow only 20 000 people in per day to ensure an incredible fan experience.

"For us it's not about the amount of people, it's about the experience," Payet told Sport24 in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.

"So we've actually capped Saturday and Sunday to 20 000 because if we go over that mark then that detracts from the whole fan experience that we're trying to create.

"We're making sure than year-on-year, we improve. Next year it's our 40th anniversary and we need to make sure we're better than this year," he said.

The winner of this year's Nedbank Golf Challenge will take home $2.5 million - an increase on the $1.25 million won by Lee Westwood in 2018.

Englishman Tommy Fleetwood is the highest ranked golfer in the 63-man field at 18th.

Payet admitted that although they were hoping for a more star-studded line-up, he was quite content with the field.

"We always try and get the superstars, your marquee players like your Rory's and Dustin Johnson. However, in reality some Americans are reluctant to travel so far to South Africa and it's their off season," said Payet.

"We were hoping the $2.5 million first prize cheque would entice those players but we're not disappointed in our field. I know this is a world class field."

There are nine South Africans in the field, with the action scheduled to get under way on Thursday from 09:00.

Nedbank Golf Challenge

Nedbank Golf Challenge

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1224 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1420 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2154 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE