JOHANNESBURG – The last time Rory McIlroy was in South Africa he lost the BMW SA Open at Glendower at the fourth extra hole to England’s Graeme Storm.
While it was the Englishman who lifted the famous trophy after a thrilling four days – in Mid-January last year to win back his European tour card – it was the Northern Irishman who stole the headlines and drew the crowds.
In November the four-time Major winner will be back in South Africa to try and exact some sort of revenge and win the lucrative Nedbank Golf Challenge title at Sun City.
The news that the 29-year-old will play in the penultimate Rolex Series event on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai from November 8-11 was confirmed on Friday.
It will be McIlroy’s first appearance at Sun City since 2009. “I’m looking forward to going back to Sun City,” said McIlroy. “I haven’t been there in a long time and excited about playing there again.”
⛳ Have you heard?
Africa’s Major welcomes back Rory McIlroy!
Rory McIlroy will be teeing up with Sergio Garcia and George Coetzee for the 2018 Nedbank Golf Challenge hosted by Gary Player! #NGC2018 #StrokeOfGenius
🏌️♂️Learn more: https://t.co/NCPYZ5CIgB pic.twitter.com/OSw5kKE1eN
— Sun City Resort (@SunCityResortSA) June 22, 2018
Nedbank Golf Challenge host Gary Player said he was delighted McIlroy would be teeing it up in the Pilansberg resort. “I am thrilled Rory will be competing at Africa’s Major. The crowds love rooting for him and he’s sure to bring even more energy to the event.”
Former Masters winner Sergio Garcia, a regular visitor to Sun City over the years, will also be in the field in the second week of November.
The defending champion is Branden Grace, who became the first local winner in 11 years last November.