The course staff did a great job in their presentation of the GPCC for the Nedbank Challenge. It was looking better than it has done in years, despite intense heat building up to the week. There was no water to spare for the rough, and the absence of thick punishing rough, plus firm fairways, meant tee shots were running into the bush and trees and causing greater problems. The winning score of 5-under 283 was the highest since David Frost shot 284 in 1990. It was stressful golf for all involved. Defending champion Max Homa was 8-under after 29 holes and played the next 43 in 8-over. Tough pins made the GPCC very demanding for lower-level tour pros under pressure. There were 1004 bogeys or worse compared to 810 birdies. New champion Johannes Veerman became the highest world ranked player to win the NGC, having been No 204 at the start of the week. The average score was 73.22 from a select field of 66. Eight players failed to break 300. Veerman was 35 shots better than the four who tied for last place.
