Max Homa takes first international title with Nedbank victory

Max Homa has achieved his first international victory in South Africa after shooting a 6-under 66 to win the Nedbank Golf Challenge, finishing 19 under for the tournament and besting Nicolai Hojgaard by 4 shots. Homa clinched the win with an impressive final round that included six birdies, an eagle, and two bogeys. He pulled away after back-to-back birdies on the 15th and 16th holes, sinking an incredible 38-footer on the par-3. In his own words, “It’s kind of what you dream of. You want to be in the fight, and it was just fun to kind of close it out at the end… It was one of those weeks the ball wanted to go in when it needed to go in.”

Nicolai Hojgaard, who played against Homa at the Ryder Cup, finished second with a bogey-free final round score of 68. Thorbjorn Olesen secured third place, while Homa’s last stroke-play event had been the Fortinet Championship in mid-September. Homa lauded the experience, stating, “The fans have been amazing; everyone has been so welcoming and kind. To be granted the opportunity to even be here, I was truly grateful for, but to come out with a trophy is just cherry on top.”

Max Homa played all four rounds in the 60s this week, cementing his victory in “Africa’s Major,” the Nedbank Golf Challenge, just ahead of the DP World Tour Championship. Justin Thomas, who finished in fourth place, expressed pride in his performance as an invitee, while two-time defending champion Tommy Fleetwood ended at 7 under in a tie for 12th. Pavon’s Spanish Open victory didn’t translate to success in South Africa, finishing 1 shot behind Homa.

Finally, Dan Bradbury of England secured fifth place at 11 under, solidifying the international field and the excitement of golf on a global stage.