Two-time major champion confirms Nedbank Golf Challenge appearance
Former Masters champion Bubba Watson has announced that he will compete in the Nedbank Golf Challenge amid rumours of his LIV Golf future rumble on
Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson is set to make his debut at the Nedbank Golf Challenge from December 3-6.
The tournament will take place at the Gary Player Country Club in Sun City and Watson wont be the only major champion teeing it up in South Africa this year.
Since the Nedbank Challenge officially became a European Tour event in 2013, the field size has more than doubled from 30 to 72.
Alongside Watson, US Open champions Wyndham Clark, Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Rose will feature in what is one of the strongest Nedbank fields in recent years.
“When you travel the world playing golf, South Africa is one of those places you always want to go back to. The people there live for golf and sports and the country has produced so many great players over the years,” said Watson.
“You can feel that passion every time you step on the course. And also, getting to see the wildlife while you’re there is just awesome. I’m really looking forward to coming back for the Nedbank Golf Challenge and seeing the fans again.”
Watson will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of compatriots Johnny Miller, Raymond Floyd, Corey Pavin, Jim Furyk, Max Homa and Johannes Veerman as an American winner of this tournament.
He may have more freedom to play in more events like this from next year as it looks as though the American is ready to leave LIV Golf.
Bubba Watson expected to depart LIV Golf
The likes of Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia, David Puig, Ian Poulter and Tyrrell Hatton won’t be joining LIV 2.0 and it appears as though Watson could be next to announce his decision.
As per @ProGolfCritic, Watson was seemingly on the fence with regards to his future with the league, but is leaning towards leaving LIV.
The 2012 and 2014 Masters champ was one of the first players to make the move to the Saudi-backed circuit in 2022, although he failed to win a single individual title during that time.
He even finished in the relegation zone following the conclusion of the 2024 season, yet was able to return because of his commercial value to the league.
Watson’s departure would signal another significant blow ahead of the league preparing to relaunch as LIV 2.0 in 2027.
At the time of writing, 14 players have departed LIV Golf and more names are expected to be announced soon.
On a more positive note for CEO Scott O’Neil, Bryson DeChambeau looks to have pledged his future to LIV 2.0, joining Richard Bland, Victor Perez, Ben Campbell and Brendan Steele. Hardly the most exciting group of players.
Watch this space for Watson’s decision.
