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Past Nedbank Junior Challenge winners Bryan Newman (2023), Stefan Jacobs (2022) & Yurav Premlall (2021); credit GolfRSA
19 April 2024 – South Africa’s premier junior golfers are preparing for the highly anticipated fourth edition of the Nedbank Junior Challenge, scheduled to unfold at the iconic Gary Player Country Club from April 22nd.
The limited field of 78 participants heading to Sun City will be led by defending champion Bryan Newman, while leading U-19 juniors Dan Bennett, Fabrizio de Abreu, Johndre Ludick, Marno Lange & Vuyisani Makama, as well as 2024 winners Ben Weber, Min Jun Heo and Schalk van Ettinger in the U-15 category will be among the challengers.
This gathering of the nation’s finest junior amateur golfers, coupled with the promising prospects of the South African Golf Development Board (SAGDB), promises three days of exhilarating competition. Participants will vie for GolfRSA and World Amateur Golf Ranking points across 54 holes, with the champion securing a coveted invitation to the upcoming Nedbank Golf Challenge, an event synonymous with golfing greatness.
Grant Hepburn, CEO of GolfRSA, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Nedbank and Sun International, remarking, “The Nedbank Junior Challenge has swiftly become a highlight on the GolfRSA Junior calendar, showcasing the wealth of talent within South Africa’s junior golfing community.
“Each year, the enthusiasm for this event grows, attracting top-tier talent eager to follow in the footsteps of golfing luminaries at the esteemed Nedbank Golf Challenge.”
Notably, the Nedbank Junior Challenge embraces diversity and inclusivity, welcoming participants from various backgrounds. In addition to the top 50 players from the GolfRSA National Under-19 Rankings, the field includes five members from the South African Golf Development Board (SAGDB) Elite Squad and 14 of the most promising players from developmental programs nationwide.
Hepburn emphasized the invaluable learning experience for SAGDB members, stating, “Playing alongside the best junior golfers is a remarkable opportunity for our members, thanks to the unwavering commitment of Nedbank and Sun International to grassroots development.”
Reflecting on past triumphs, Sun City’s Operations Manager for Sport and Recreation and Tournament Director of the Nedbank Golf Challenge, Ken Payet, highlighted the profound impact of junior structures on South Africa’s golfing legacy. “Every champion of the Nedbank Golf Challenge began their journey in the junior ranks, underscoring the importance of events like the Nedbank Junior Challenge in nurturing future champions,” Payet remarked.
He concluded, “We eagerly anticipate the arrival of South Africa’s top junior golf talent at Sun City, united in our mission to foster the next generation of golfing excellence at the Gary Player Country Club.”
The post Hunt is on for Nedbank Junior Challenge glory appeared first on Golf RSA.
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