The prestigious Nedbank Golf Challenge returns in 2026, but players are voicing concerns over the tournament’s entry criteria.
Joost Luiten Questions DP World Tour Entry Decisions
The Nedbank Golf Challenge is one of the biggest events on the DP World Tour, offering a lucrative $6 million purse. Naturally, players are eager to secure a spot. However, Joost Luiten initially found himself on the outside looking in. Despite finishing 33rd in the Race to Dubai last season, the six-time DP World Tour winner was only listed as the first reserve due to numerous exemptions and invitations filling the 66-player field.
Although the 39-year-old Dutchman has since been added to the field, he publicly expressed his frustration on Instagram: “Being the first reserve for the Nedbank Golf Challenge is honestly hard to understand. I finished 33rd in the Order of Merit and earned a spot in the biggest event of the 2025 DP World Tour Championship, yet I can’t get into a smaller tournament with more players and more spots than the Tour Championship! I just don’t get it!”
Support from Fellow Players
Luiten’s concerns have resonated with fellow professionals. English players Daniel Brown and Brandon Robinson-Thompson voiced their support. Brown commented, “That’s a shame, it should be based on last season’s rankings. Reward those who played the best golf all year, not just for one week.” His remarks highlight the preferential treatment given to past tournament winners over consistent season-long performers.
Luiten, increasingly frustrated with what he describes as poor communication, has since discussed the issue with DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings. He hopes this will lead to changes in how tournament spots are allocated in the future.