American Veerman back to defend Nedbank Golf Challenge title

American Johannes Veerman will be back in South Africa to defend his Nedbank Golf Challenge title when the DP World Tour event, played in honour of Gary Player, takes place at Sun City from 4-7 December 2025.

The 33-year-old Veerman is aiming to become the eighth player in the history of the Nedbank Golf Challenge, and only the second American after Jim Furyk, to successfully defend his title.

Veerman is the first player to confirm his place in this year’s Nedbank Golf Challenge field, with tickets and hospitality now also on sale for this sporting showpiece.

The popular HospitaliTEE Lounge is also back for this year’s event, offering an unrivalled viewing experience that includes access to the day’s golf, an unlimited premium bar and buffet, a Nedbank Golf Challenge merchandise voucher, a seat on the VIP grandstand at the 18th green, live entertainment, daily prizes and a player autograph opportunity. This enhanced fan experience is centrally located close to the public village, with an air-conditioned facility that brings the best of the Nedbank Golf Challenge to the comfort of the Lounge with indoor and outdoor seating and a live TV feed of the golf.

Veerman returns to a Gary Player Country Club course where in 2024 he shot a final round of 69 to overturn a five-shot deficit and claim his second DP World Tour title.

His victory capped a dream debut in ‘Africa’s Major’ as he beat South Africa’s Aldrich Potgieter, England’s Matthew Jordan and Frenchman Romain Langasque by a single stroke to claim the biggest victory of his career and become the sixth American winner of the Nedbank Golf Challenge.

“My first experience of the Nedbank Golf Challenge was amazing. I had heard so much about the tournament and watched it over the years, so to be able to win it was a dream come true,” said Veerman.

“Everything about the week was truly world class. We had incredible functions, and the fireworks display was out of this world. The golf course was a strong test and it was just a fantastic experience all around. To be able to win a tournament of this stature, and which is played in honour of one of the world’s greatest golfers, is something I cherish and I cannot wait to return to Sun City and try to defend my title.”

Gary Player said he was delighted to see Veerman make the decision to defend his Nedbank Golf Challenge title.

“The beauty of the Nedbank Golf Challenge is the return of our former champions. We have had so many wonderful winners over the years who have built up such a history with this tournament, as well as with the fans. It will be fantastic to see Johannes back at Sun City as he tries to claim a unique place in the record books for American golfers in this tournament.”