Max Homa wins 2023 NGC at Sun City by four strokes

Max Homa has become the first American winner of the Nedbank Golf Challenge since 2006 when Jim Furyk triumphed at the Gary Player Country Club at Sun City.

Homa was in a class of his own at the 2023 edition, either sharing the lead or being out in front on his own since the opening round on Thursday and he sealed his victory in style on Sunday afternoon, winning by four shots on a score of 269, 19 under par.

In second place was Nicolai Hojgaard on 15 under par and in third place Thorbjorn Olesen.

‘Cherry on top’

“It’s been a dream 10, 11 days (in South Africa),” said Homa after shooting an impressive six under par 66 in his final round Sunday, the joint low round of the day. Countryman Justin Thomas also shot a 66 to finish fourth on 12 under par.

The two Americans had arrived early in South Africa to first enjoy a bushveld break in the Pilanesberg.

“It’s been tremendous to travel to a new place and everyone has been so welcoming and kind,” said Homa.

“I’m so grateful to have been here and to come out on top with the trophy is really the cherry on top.”

Pavon and Olesen

The 32-year-old started his final round with a one shot lead over France’s Matthieu Pavon, but quickly pulled ahead on Sunday thanks to four birdies and a bogey in his first six holes and then an eagle at the par five ninth, after a brilliant approach from the right rough over the water.

Pavon fell away with three early bogeys and he’d end his day with a 78 with five bogeys in total, a double bogey at the par four 11th and just one birdie to finish tied 15th at six under par.

For much of the day it was Olesen who threatened Homa’s lead and title chances. The Dane had eight birdies, but also three bogeys in his first 14 holes to be right in the mix but a double drop on the par four 17th cost him dearly.

The best placed South African was Hennie du Plessis who tied for sixth on 10 under par.

FULL FINAL LEADERBOARD