The future of South African golf returns to one of the country’s most iconic championship stages as the Nedbank Junior Challenge takes place at the Gary Player Country Club at Sun City from 20 – 22 July 2026.
Hosted on the same course as the Nedbank Golf Challenge, this prestigious junior event gives rising young golfers the opportunity to test themselves in a championship environment, compete against leading junior talent and take another step on the pathway towards bigger stages in the game.
Date: 20 – 22 July 2026
Venue: Gary Player Country Club, Sun City
Format: 54 holes stroke play
Field: 78 competitors
Official practice and registration: Sunday, 19 July 2026
Entry platform: GolfRSA Men’s Tournaments and Results page
Enquires: Email tournaments@golfrsa.co.za
The Nedbank Junior Challenge gives South Africa’s leading junior golfers the opportunity to compete at the Gary Player Country Club, a course synonymous with the Nedbank Golf Challenge and some of the biggest moments in African golf.
Played over 54 holes of stroke play, the tournament challenges players across three competitive rounds, with 18 holes played each day from Monday, 20 July to Wednesday, 22 July 2026.
The championship is open to eligible male amateur golfers under the age of 19 at the commencement of the tournament.
Players must be members of a golf club affiliated to a National Golf Association, have amateur status in line with the Rules of Amateur Status, and hold a Handicap Index of not more than 4.5 at the date of entry.
All South African entries must be submitted online via GolfRSA. International players should email tournaments@golfrsa.co.za for the international entry process.
The starting field will comprise 78 competitors, including leading players from the GolfRSA Under-19 rankings, selected age-group champions, MVPs from the SA Under-19 IPT, invited GolfRSA players including SAGDB elite players and players aligned to GolfRSA transformation initiatives, approved international entrants, and players selected from the waiting list. Notably, the Nedbank Junior Challenge embraces diversity and inclusivity, welcoming participants from various backgrounds. In addition 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.
Acceptance of an entry does not automatically guarantee a place in the starting field. Final acceptance is subject to GolfRSA approval.
SUNDAY, 19 July 2026
Official practice round
Compulsory registration from 10:00am – 3:00pm
Official opening function
MONDAY, 20 July 2026
Round 1: 18 holes stroke play, two-tee start
TUESDAY, 21 July 2026
Round 2: 18 holes stroke play, two-tee start
WEDNESDAY, 22 July 2026
Round 3: 18 holes stroke play, two-tee start
Prizegiving to follow conclusion of play
The overall winner will hold a replica Nedbank Golf Challenge floating trophy until the next championship and will receive a gold medal together with sponsored prizes.
The winner will also be invited to the Nedbank Golf Challenge 2026 for a VIP experience, creating a direct link between the junior event and one of the most iconic tournaments in African golf.
The runner-up and second runner-up will receive silver and bronze medals respectively, together with sponsored prizes.
Preferred family rates are available for players’ families. For assistance with family accommodation bookings, please email gary.williams@suninternational.com.
Family bookings will only be made after the final players list has been published by GolfRSA.
Take on the Gary Player Country Club and experience junior golf on one of South Africa’s most iconic championship courses.
