Els said he is looking forward to once again being part of the field at an event that holds special memories for him. “I have such wonderful memories of this tournament throughout my career, and I’m looking forward to playing in it again. They have been such a loyal and longstanding partner of the Sunshine Tour. The Sunshine Tour is where I started my career and I’ve always come back to play here whenever I can. It’s going to be great to see some old faces and a few of the youngsters on the Tour as well,” said Els (via Sunshine Tour). Defending champion Wilco Nienaber is also in the field and is aiming to retain his title. Nienaber is one of only four players to have won the event twice, alongside Nick Price, Darren Fichardt and Oliver Bekker. “I’m excited to return to Fancourt to try and defend my title. It’s a privilege to be one of the few multiple winners of such a prestigious tournament. I love Fancourt and every single one of the golf courses there,” said Nienaber (via Sunshine Tour). The ladies’ event also boasts a strong field, with Danielle du Toit returning to defend her title. Youngster Kaiyuree Moodley, who made her professional debut at the same event last year and won last season’s R&A Rookie of the Year award on the Sunshine Ladies Tour, also returns. “It was a dream to make my professional debut in this event last year and to play at Fancourt. They have fantastic golf courses there. We also get to play with the Sunshine Tour professionals, and that in itself was a learning experience for me. I’m really excited to go back. Watching Danielle win it last year and what it did for her career, I remember thinking it would be amazing to win this tournament one day,” said Moodley (via Sunshine Tour).