| 12 October 2009 |
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 comments: 51
After a fairly lack-lustre Presidents Cup, all South African golf fans have left to look forward to this year is ‘Africa’s Major’– the Nedbank Golf Challenge. Given certain player commitments, the Mole thinks that now may be the time to rethink the NGC field to bring some spice back to the event. Could we see the likes of John Daly and Michelle Wie gracing the fairways?
So the Mole woke up this morning after a good night’s sleep – even though there was some awesome shot-making on show for three days, The President’s Cup was done and dusted well before midnight as the Internationals went out with another whimper. But as he watched Tiger & Co blasting away the best of the rest, the Mole couldn’t help wondering what’s going to happen at what is traditionally his last golfing highlight of the year: the Nedbank Golf Challenge.
What’s at issue here is that for years, the guys at Nedbank have used the Official World Ranking as their selection criteria – and as a result, have been able to say things like “11 of the world’s top 25 will be in action’. But this year, there’s a serious problem – which explains why the player announcement, normally made by now, hasn’t happened. You see, a short while ago, Tiger Woods announced the 18-man field for his Chevron World Challenge that takes place from, erm, 2 to 6 December. It’s as follows: Woods, Stricker, Casey, Perry, Harrington, Furyk, Westwood, Kaymer, Cink, O'Hair, Singh, Glover, Villegas, Johnson, Poulter, Kim (all of whom are in the top 25 in the rankings), Mike Weir and YE Yang.
So, none of them then for a nice braai at the valley of the waves and a bit of golf before Christmas. Now, take away Phil Mickelson (whose appearance fee alone would probably put Sun City into liquidation) and Ernie, who’s already said he won’t be playing and what have you got?
Well, Henrik Stenson is available and will return to defend, Angel Cabrera will be back thanks to his SAA deal and Richard Sterne earned his place thanks to the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit. The remaining nine places as per the rankings, however, start looking a bit thin after Sergio Garcia, Geoff Ogilvy, Rory McIlroy and Retief Goosen.
And just to compound the problem, there’s talk in the industry of the major manufacturers trying to encourage their front-line players to take some time off at the end of the year to do a bit of work on the new equipment that’s coming into play with the 2010 groove regulations. So there’s a good chance that the like of Sergio and Ogilvy will decline the invite, leaving the NGC with a rather motley-looking cast of extras: Robert Karlsson (24), Hunter Mahan (25), Ross Fisher (26), Luke Donald (27), David Toms (29), Nick Watney (32), Robert Allenby (33), Soren Kjeldsen (34), Oliver Wilson (35), Brian Gay (36), Ben Curtis (37) and Tim Clark (39).
The question is: how many people will tune in on Sunday to watch Watney, Wilson and Gay battling it out for the crystal ball? I’d rather be underground cleaning out my burrow…
So here’s this week’s question: isn’t this the year when the guys at Nedbank should finally drop the World Ranking as a criteria and go for ‘entertainment value’? McIlroy would certainly be a draw-card if he agrees, but I’d make the trip to Sun City to see the likes of John Daly, Tom Watson, Ryo Ishikawa, Miguel Angel Jimenez – and heck, why not throw Michelle Wie and Natalie Gulbis into the mix! What do you guys think?
Reader comments: (51)
•YIP!
That is something that I have wondered about! And your suggestion is a great idea!!! If it WILL happen, i really hope it would!
posted by: Swazi Morris on 2009/10/16
•Mix
I agree it must change. I also like the 9hole powerplay format that was mentioned by Jaco. Why not mix it up even more. Make it open for ladies and men, but also throw in a powerplay round before the grand finale the Sunday (maybe even include some new rules). This way anyone of the 12 can win. We need some entertainment!
posted by: Nelson on 2009/10/14
•N G C
A few very interesting ideas.Make sure it gets to the right people for serious debate.The IPL cricket series proved how successful a lucrative a novel idea could be.
posted by: Hugo-Nelspruit on 2009/10/14
•NGC
Sorry to break it to you guy, but the SA open , had more intrest overseas, most people did not know about the event in the USA let alone the winner. SA open being on the European tour is more popular and it had many stars playing.Lets all hope it works out, produces revenue and employs hundreds of people who need that extra money for the holidays!
posted by: Bent Grass on 2009/10/13
•Southern Hemisphere Ryder Cup
The Nedbank is long past it's sell buy date. Use the funding to sponsor a bi-annual Southern hemispere 'Ryder Cup' equivalent between South Africa and Australia, in the same year as the Europe vs USA event. Then on the alternate year do away with that other non event the Presidents Cup, and replace with the Northern vs Southern hemisphere final.
posted by: Dick Ad**** on 2009/10/13
•New format idea
I am a huge fan of Twenty20 cricket and we play the 9 hole powerplay golf format at Randfontein, which is similar in principal, less time and more excitement. Over 9 holes there might have a chance of Wie beating Sterne or Watson getting the better of Sergio in the sun but until Sunday afternoon the event is boring and usually a one horse race. One round of 9 holes of powerplay golf will shake things up big time and there won't be any major scheduling problems, they fly in, sleep, practice in the morning, play in the afternoon and we all go home after 3 hours of exciting golf.
posted by: Jaco on 2009/10/13
•invite ngc
good idea..bring the caracters of golf back...Daly,Greg Norman...maybe past Master's champoins..we wanna see them and then a ladies 4 ball only of Wie,Gulbis and 2 other hotties ...
posted by: Pieter Els on 2009/10/13
•Bring the Characters
What about mixing some seniors with 'juniors' Norman, Watson, Goosen, Immelman, Daly, Jimenez, Clark, Clarke, Irwin, Mcilroy, Ishikawa, Garcia
posted by: Vernon on 2009/10/13
•MIXED FORMAT
Yes it must be a mixed format with selective selections not based on point leaders. Bring in character so that people will still want to attend to see someone special. make it better ball so that everyone has a chance. The date has become a problem so look for a new slot too!
posted by: Bruce on 2009/10/13
•Please not John
John Daly is an embarrasment and a discredit to golf
posted by: Terry on 2009/10/13
•An even better idea
Why not change it to a ladies only event and invite Natalie Gulbis, Paula Creamer, Sophie Gustaphson, Michelle Wie and eight more hotties?
posted by: Colin on 2009/10/13
•Gentlmen Let's be serious
While I agree with the Mole for entertainment THINK OUSTIDE THE BOX. Ishikawa will be a definite Yes. But Michelle Wie and Natalie Gulbis common Mole this is not a Mixed Double or Gary Player Invitational. Maybe they must expand the field to 16 or 18 and automaticaly invite winners of SA Open, Telkom PGA,Vodacom Championship and Joburg Open.
posted by: Phala on 2009/10/13
•Nedbank Challenge
I agree. It is time to re-vamp the Tournament. Michelle Wie and Nartalie will definetly be a bigger attraction than a 'second best' men's field
posted by: Philip on 2009/10/13
•Mixed teams
Golf ought to be more about fun with appropriate prizes for good performance and not driven mainly by status, rankings and huge prize money. There is too much glorification of, and absurd reward for, top players these days. For the Nedbank Challenge, let's have a mixed team format. Ten women and ten men pairing off into mixed couples. Decent prizes for the top five performing pairings. All matches played in five four balls of two pairings each. Play a different competition format on each of the four days. The Nedbank Challenge could become known as the world's first golf tournament based on a novel approach to the game. Players and spectators could relax and enjoy this fresh approach. Those players who think that they are worthy of appearance fees can stay at home or organise their own tournaments. Let's go for fun in the South African December sun.
posted by: Ken Haiden on 2009/10/13
•IF YOU DON'T HAVE TIGER YOU DON'T HAVE ........
It has been a boring tournament for a couple of years now. These guys make enough money and do not want to travel this far after a long season. It use to be the most prestigeous tournament in the world during the 80's and early 90's.
posted by: GeoLeo on 2009/10/13
•Africa's Major
You cannot call an event that has a field of 12 a major. The million dollar is about entertainment and yes, I strongly support the idea of ladies, oldies (ala Tom Watson) and celebrities being invited. Have 12 fourballs each with a young pro, an oldie, a lady and a celebtrity. The crowds will pour in.
posted by: Bruce on 2009/10/13
•NEDBANK GOLF CHALLENGE
Bring the ladies!! and what about Trevor,Louis or Charl?
posted by: Johan Smit on 2009/10/13
•Ladies yeah
I think if we can get 6 ladies, like Wie, Gulbis, Creamer, etc and 6 Men the GPCC would be a sell out all four days.
posted by: James Lehmann on 2009/10/13
•AFRICA'S MAJOR
If we call the Nedbank Africa's Major, why not combine the SA Open with the Nedbank, pool the money and the resources, change the tiiming to suit almost everyone, and then call it Africa's major. This way it is a win-win and evryone will want to play in it.
posted by: Graham Taylor on 2009/10/13
•Nedbank Golf Challenge
Not to be harsh but Tiger did pull a fast one moving his tournament to the same one as "Africa's Only Major", especially considering his heritage.Anyway,all one can do is to perhaps move the date and extend the field to 24 or 36 players.
posted by: Pieter on 2009/10/13
•Move the Goal Posts!
NGC used to be amount the money.It was the 1st $1M prize, then the 1st $2M prize. Now you have $10M for the Fedex Cup and big money for the Race to Dubai. The big boys don't like to travel too much at year-end unless it's worth it or they feel obliged to. If we can't get Els who is in SA at the time to committ then the other big names take a lead from him. Don't underestimate the pull that Ernie has amoungst the Top golfers! He & Johan Rupert need to be driving the event and make it a Pro Am/Dunhill Links type of event? Ladies are lovely to look at but the want to see the worlds best players.
posted by: Deon on 2009/10/13
•Maybe change the date?
No matter how "thin" the NGC field gets, it will always be a golfing highlight for me and I think many South African golfing fans. I have been lucky enough to play the GPCC two times, and just seeing the pro's taking on a course that I've played, is awesome. I do however believe that the field should be made bigger, to say, at least 18 or 24 players. This would decrease the chance of someone "running away with it". Also, I don't think it is very cool of Tiger to firstly never accept an invite to the Million Dollar, and then secondly organising his own "exclusive" tournament on the same dates. Might as well given the middle finger to Africa's Major. Good example of being bigger than the game, and screw the rest.
posted by: Stevie on 2009/10/13
•Tiger?
Isn't Tiger maybe a bit upset that he's never invited and wants to proof he can by himself boycott the NGC.He is now bigger than the game itself,isn't he because every time you want to watch golf on television the cameras are stuck on him.Invite Tiger and pay him his 3million appearence fee and keep him happy he is bringing in the money.
posted by: James on 2009/10/13
•Very good idea
The ladies will attract more spectators and would be able to compete easily off their own tees.One lady per 3 ball would add some zing.
posted by: Theresa on 2009/10/13
•Willie's question on the NGC
Right on!!... perhaps the revamp should include nationalisation of the NGC
posted by: Darryl on 2009/10/13
•NGC Revamp
Yes, your idea is spot on, bring the Ladies after all they play superb golf, and Ernie is he still a our golf hero, I don't think so !
posted by: Pieter Cilliers on 2009/10/13
•NGC
BRING IN THE LADIES...
posted by: FORBSIE on 2009/10/13
•Intercontinental Tournament
What about an Intercontinental Challenge Tournament, say Europe, Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia teams of 3 or 4 players to include 2PGA guys, 1Senior and 1 LPGA gal? Or something along those lines - maybe have a choice between a senior and a lady player?Mr Mole - please note, Paula Cremer in lieu of Michelle Wie please. You don't want to get Mr Editor all upset do you?
posted by: Petros on 2009/10/12
•New format
How about changing the whole Format. Invite Twelve Top Men players and Twelven Top Women players. With obviously different Tee boxes for the Women and split the prize monies Twenty ways . This may draw crowds.
posted by: Woodge on 2009/10/12
•nedbank golf challenge
i realy think to have only 12 players play suck. It must be opend to all south africans and other player who might be interested
posted by: Nico du Plessis on 2009/10/12
•MONEY AND TIMING PEOPLE.
Great ideas all around, how about this reality check! Sport management companies dictate where and when their ambassadors play, correct! These companies only survive if the best offers are made by tournaments for their players, correct! The "Sun City African Major" can and will become a huge showcase with......yes, money!!!! Johan Rupert knows how to run a tournament, believe me! Just look at the recent successful Dunhill Links at Kingsbarns, Carnoustie and THE HOME OF GOLF, St. Andrews!!!!!! Money, Celebraties, A FULL FIELD !!! ( Forget this exclusive 12 man field for once guys!) Gar Player and Nelson Mandela are Iconic, they can get Nicklaus, Watson, Zeoller and Norman here anyday, as well as Bill Murrey, Michael Jordan, etc over at Sun City anyday! Draw the crowds by not televising directly, say only show the round the evenings on TV, or a day later, but then you lose airtime business, that`s a tricky one! Never the less, from the good comments above, a few great ideas have been pooled already, Lets hope Mr.Boardman, Mr Roper and Sun International are working on the plan!!!! Regardless of this, I`ll be there this year,it`s always a great outing, the weather, the golf, the hotels and Casinos!!!!! It`s the year of the Goose again guys!!! Place your bets early!!!
posted by: Morne on 2009/10/12
•Might work for a year
Your idea might revive the tournament for a year based upon its novelty appeal, but will probably fade after that. The NGC will then just become a gimmicky event and nobody will care who wins, which will result in nobody watching the event. Comparing the event to one 25 years ago is foolhardy as there is now 10 times more golf on television than there was in those years. The public have become used to seeing top golfers competing week in and week out, a tournament without this level of competition will simply become another local tournament. I wish that I had a workable solution, but this is a tricky one. Perhaps the dates should be moved, the tournament become part of a larger tour or ..............., sorry I really don’t know.
posted by: Russell on 2009/10/12
•sad but true
this tornie just not getting the right players maybe scap it and think of something else ??
posted by: fred bowles on 2009/10/12
•Time for a change
Yeah, mole, Format is stale, quality has been hugely diluted. Go for a big pro-am mixed couples format and you will be stunned by the support!
posted by: Simonsky on 2009/10/12
•nedbank golf challenge
what is wrong with us sa.yes bring all the top oldies back. we had so much fun, and it was super. ask even the younger golfers. it is a shame, shame. what will happen this year??!!!!
posted by: valerie on 2009/10/12
•Do something quick
I think the Mole has it right and a change now can make the tournament something that will last another couple of years.
posted by: Johnny on 2009/10/12
•Oh , the protocol
I love the idea , but you must remember , that there are big corporate boys and girls , still doing things by the book . That is why I love creative people . PS....Corporate logic sometimes works !
posted by: Matt on 2009/10/12
•SELL BY DATE HAS PASSED
The NGC has long passed its "sell by" date. The creative guys need to get thinking - but what about Asia vs Africa with mixed gender teams?
posted by: Derek on 2009/10/12
•SA Open?
Have you forgotten the second oldest "Open" or don't you rank it as a highlight - it's Ernie's last chance(again) to maintain his recored of a tournament win every year since 1991?
posted by: Alan Campbell on 2009/10/12
•nedbank challenge
will julius allow it?
posted by: willy on 2009/10/12
•NGC
All very well trying to syphon water from a nigh empty well.Why not go into the seniors well and attract any number of players( including Gary) who graced our fairways some 20 years ago?For sure this would attract plenty of spectators - on course and on TV.
posted by: Wolf on 2009/10/12
•Save the Major
The tournamnet has lsot it's appeal, BIG TIME. I know I was there for the first one and 21 other Million Dollar/NGC's. To revive our favourite biggie, turn it into a Pro-Am for all four days!! Invite all the worlds top celebrity golfers and top female golfers and you'l find that the nearest parking will be in Rustenburg again!
posted by: ETT on 2009/10/12
•Great idea
I agree: The criteria needs to be relooked and the tournament spiced up. I attend every year but its getting a little boring now. Some lateral thinking is needed!
posted by: Ryan on 2009/10/12
•ngc
it would be fantastic to bring in wie and gulbis as a challange to the men. what a crowd puller!!!
posted by: len le roux on 2009/10/12
•Save the sponsor
Postpone the Nedbank challenge till mid to end Jan 2010. a good way for the top Pros to get back on track after the Festive season.
posted by: Mervyn on 2009/10/12
•No Long John
Daly has pulled out of all events for the rest of the season with an injury so he's out too. Is there anybody left?
posted by: Warren on 2009/10/12
•Helloooo...
Awsome idea ....its all about entertainment.
posted by: Mally on 2009/10/12
•Go Tom!
Yeah Mr Mole - got to agree about Tom Watson – I'd go for the day just to clap him down the 18th for giving us one of the decade's most memorable moments! Also, not too sure that Ogilvy is in contention - isn't the Australian Open on the same weekend?
posted by: Golf Cynic on 2009/10/12
•Bring back some Stardust
Even more than a Million years ago, remember the first Challenge at Sun City which was a Pro-am and featured the likes of Sean Connery and other top international stars. I still have the signatures on the programme somewhere among my souvenirs. Top golfing names were there and so was half of South Africa following the field.But I suppose that was before the game got to be the earner of fortunes. Bring back some bling - and the crowds.
posted by: Colleen on 2009/10/12
•NEDBANK GOLF CHALLENGE
knowing what a draw card Ernie is the very partisan SA Golf spectator will possibly stay away, mind you I remeber seeing John D and Ian Woosnam with their shirts off doing "Wild Thing" in the Casino one Million Dollar a Million years ago!!. Time to get the Zimmer frame out.
posted by: Annie on 2009/10/12
•Nice idea
But it's never going to happen. By the way, are they showing Tiger's event on TV...?
posted by: Mad Bob on 2009/10/12
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