Hovland, Penge and Zalatoris headline strong Nedbank Golf Challenge field at Sun City

For the serious golf follower, World No 13 Viktor Hovland's debut is a major drawcard. The Norwegian has won on both the US PGA Tour and Europe's DP World Tour, which co-sanctions the Nedbank Golf Challenge with the Sunshine Tour.

World No 29 Marco Penge, who claimed three DP World Tour victories this year and finished runner-up to Rory McIlroy in the Race to Dubai, is another headline attraction. Though also making his debut, the 27-year-old Englishman is no stranger to South African layouts.

The American contingent is headed by a fit-again Will Zalatoris, who has chosen South Africa as the venue for his return after a six-month layoff following back surgery.

Zalatoris enjoyed a breakout season in 2022, winning the FedEx St. Jude Championship and finishing runner-up at the PGA Championship after a play-off loss to Justin Thomas, but has struggled with back problems in recent years.

Local fans will be hoping a home favourite can break a long victory drought. After Southern Africa produced 13 winners from the tournament's inception in 1981 through Trevor Immelman's 2007 triumph, Branden Grace remains the most recent home champion, having lifted the crystal golf ball trophy in 2017.

Aldrich Potgieter nearly ended that lean run last year. The then-19-year-old held a three-shot lead heading into the final round on debut, only to falter with a closing 75 - including a missed 10-foot par putt on the last that would have forced a playoff with eventual champion Johannes Veerman, who returns to defend his title.

Now 20 and armed with a PGA Tour victory after winning the Rocket Classic in June, Potgieter returns as one of three South Africans in the field.

He joins top-ranked Thriston Lawrence, currently 64th in the world with five DP World Tour titles, and 26-year-old Garrick Higgo, who has two PGA Tour wins and three victories in Europe.