Max Homa says testing his game internationally is a “priority” going forward as he joins Justin Thomas in making his debut on South African soil this week at the Nedbank Golf Challenge.
The duo – who have 21 PGA TOUR victories between them – form part of a stellar 66-player field assembled at Sun City for the penultimate event on the 2023 DP World Tour schedule.
World Number Eight Homa is the highest-ranked player teeing it up in the prestigious tournament which boasts an array of storied champions, including Seve Ballesteros, Nick Price and Sir Nick Faldo.
While the American has previously played at the Genesis Scottish Open – co-sanctioned between the DP World Tour and the PGA TOUR – this marks his first start in an event solely sanctioned by the DP World Tour.
“When I was growing up, I watched this golf tournament,” Homa said on the eve of the 41st edition of ‘Africa’s Major’.
“I watched tons of the then European Tour, now DP World Tour events, that I always wanted to play in.
“The way the schedule was previously on the PGA TOUR, to come do this would be wild. You would have to battle jetlag to go play tournament to tournament.
“So, when I saw that there was a real off-season for us, I made it a point to play at least one over here.
“So, to be able to get a spot here (through an invite) and have the opportunity to play has been a dream.
“I just think now going forward, being able to do more of this would be a priority just because we want to experience what golf at large has to offer. And this has been a pretty special week so far.”
Despite also coming into the week on the back of a month-long absence from action, two-time Major Champion Thomas is hoping he can play his way into title contention at Gary Player Country Club.
“I obviously always have expectations and hopes of playing well, but at the same time, I fully understand that this has been far from normal preparation for a golf tournament, but that doesn't mean I'm not taking it seriously,” he said.
“I mean, yesterday wasn't exactly what I wanted for the weather, but made the most of it and today was a beautiful day.
“More than anything, travelling this far, you just want to get your body feeling good and try to feel like you're rested and hopefully just get out there and get in the rhythm and see if we can get some things going.”
Ahead of this week’s event, Homa and Thomas went on a safari trip with their wives – an experience both say they will cherish forever.
Starting the week in style @AfricasMajor 🦁 https://t.co/Q4nOCmASXP
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) November 4, 2023
“It's so hard to explain to people that weren't there with you,” said Thomas.
“I know my wife and I both said how much we'd love to come here again and more often.”
Homa added: “The safari experience is life changing. I've been saying it all week, but I don't know how I'm supposed to explain this to my friends and family. I would never be able to do it justice.”
The Nedbank Golf Challenge has been a highlight of the South African sporting calendar since its first edition in 1981, and Thomas was keen to praise the welcome he has received.
“I feel I've always enjoyed travelling and playing tournaments outside the PGA TOUR because it is cool,” he said.
“I mean, this is exactly why I love doing it, whether it's seeing fans on the golf course or around dinner, whatever it is.
"It's one thing running into people in the States because there's likely or potentially an opportunity that they could see you again. But being in South Africa there is a chance that a lot of these people get to see Max Homa, see other guys for the first time and potentially ever.
“So, I know I'm taking it in and I'm enjoying it and everybody's been more than gracious.”
Homa is making his first competitive appearance since finishing the Ryder Cup as the leading points scorer for the US Team on his rookie appearance at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club.
He is joined by defending champion Tommy Fleetwood and four-time DP World Tour winner Adrian Meronk and admits there is an element of scepticism about how he will fare.
“The game is not exactly the most dialled it's ever been,” he said.
“This has been the longest break I think I've ever taken from golf. I've played a few rounds. It was nice to get out there today and play a full 18 holes, I haven't walked and played a full 18 in a while.
“But I'm excited to play. You miss the competitive feel, you miss those juices, so to get to go feel that again will be great.
“Even though I haven't been playing tonnes of golf, right, when you get back to an event and you get the week started, it feels normal.”
