Every December, Sun City becomes the centre of South African golf. The Nedbank Golf Challenge, played in honour of Gary Player, draws some of the biggest names on the DP World Tour to the Gary Player Country Club, with the 2026 edition running from 3 to 6 December and a field that includes Major winners such as Justin Rose and Bryson DeChambeau.
It’s one of the richest events on the Race to Dubai, and thousands of spectators travel in for the golf, the atmosphere, and the entertainment that follows each day’s play.
Where you stay shapes the whole trip. Book somewhere too far from Sun City and you’ll lose hours of your day to traffic. Book without checking facilities and you might end up without decent food options after a long day on the fairways. This is where ANEW Resort Hunters Rest earns its place as a serious contender for tournament-week accommodation; close enough to Sun City for an easy drive, but set in its own quiet corner of the Magaliesberg Mountains where you can properly switch off between rounds.
How far is ANEW Resort Hunters Rest from the Gary Player Golf Course?
ANEW Resort Hunters Rest sits on the R24 Rustenburg/Krugersdorp Road, on the foothills of the Magaliesberg Mountains. From there, it’s about an hour’s drive (64.1 km) to the Gary Player Country Club at Sun City, taking the R565 as the fastest route under normal traffic conditions.
This positioning matters more than it might seem. Staying inside Sun City means paying premium rates during a peak event week. Staying too far out means tiring, repetitive drives before and after a full day of golf. Hunters Rest sits in the middle ground; far enough to offer a genuinely relaxing stay, close enough that the commute to Gary Player Country Club doesn’t eat into your tournament day.
What are the rooms like at ANEW Resort Hunters Rest?
The resort offers 98 rooms across several categories, from Economy and Standard rooms through to Deluxe Suites, family rooms, and a Presidential Suite. Every room includes a private patio overlooking the resort’s gardens and the surrounding mountains, which makes for a proper wind-down spot after a day of walking the course or sitting in the grandstands.
Rooms come fitted with the essentials guests expect from a 4-star resort: flat screen TVs, air conditioning, tea and coffee stations, in-room safes, and uncapped Wifi. Families attending the tournament together have options too; the Deluxe Family Rooms and Superior Family Suites include separate sleeping areas with bunk beds, so parents and children aren’t sharing one room for several nights running.
Given how busy Sun City gets during tournament week, booking early is worth doing. Rooms at nearby properties fill quickly once the field is confirmed, and Hunters Rest is no exception.
What dining options are available for tournament visitors?
After a day following the leaderboard, you’ll want a proper meal and a decent menu to choose from. The on-site restaurant at Hunters Rest draws on both African and international cuisine, with a focus on ingredients sourced locally from the Magaliesburg region. Dining options include the main restaurant, poolside seating, and a boma experience offering a traditional South African braai for group bookings.
Dietary requirements are well catered for. The restaurant offers Halaal and Kosher meals by prior arrangement, along with options for guests following vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, or banting diets; simply flag any requirements with reception or the duty manager ahead of your stay. As with the spa and activities, booking your table in advance is recommended, since walk-in guests are only accommodated subject to availability during busy periods.
Is there a spa at ANEW Resort Hunters Rest?
Yes. The Hunters Rest Day Spa sits at the foot of the Magaliesberg Mountains, next to the Kgaswane Nature Reserve, and offers a genuine reset between tournament days. Packages range from around R1,300 to R1,800 per person (with couple’s rates also available), covering treatments such as full-body massages, hot stone therapy, body exfoliation, facials, and foot treatments. There’s also a Little Sprouts range for children aged four to twelve, which is useful if you’re bringing the whole family along for the week.
The spa operates daily from 09:00 to 18:00 in spring and summer, and 09:00 to 17:00 in winter, with after-hours bookings available on request. Given the tournament falls in early December, you’ll be visiting during the extended summer hours; plan your spa session early in the trip, since availability tightens as the week goes on.
What other facilities does the resort offer?
Beyond rooms, food, and the spa, ANEW Resort Hunters Rest gives guests a fair amount to do without leaving the property. There are both heated and cold swimming pools, a fitness centre, an on-site golf course for those who can’t get enough fairway time, and a health centre. Practical touches matter too during a busy event week: 24-hour security, 24-hour reception, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the resort.
One point worth noting before you arrive: the resort is fully licensed with its own bar, and outside liquor isn’t permitted on the property. It’s a small restriction, but worth knowing so you’re not caught out at check-in.
What’s happening at the Nedbank Golf Challenge beyond the golf?
Tournament week isn’t just about what happens on the course. The 2026 entertainment line-up includes Scorpion Kings at the Valley of Waves on Friday 4 December, LIVE at the Superbowl on Saturday 5 December, and Shimza closing out the week at Sun Park on Sunday 6 December. If you’re staying at Hunters Rest, these evening events are all within that same hour’s drive back to Sun City.
For spectators wanting to make a longer trip of it, the surrounding area offers plenty beyond the tournament itself. The Pilanesberg Game Reserve and Hartbeespoort Dam are both nearby, and hot-air balloon rides over Pilanesberg are a popular add-on for visitors extending their stay. Downloading the Nedbank Golf Challenge App is worth doing too; it covers tournament updates, promotions, and access to the Nedbank Fan Challenge, where fans compete for daily prizes throughout the week.
Book your Nedbank Golf Challenge stay early
Tournament week brings a surge of visitors to the Sun City area, and accommodation close to the course fills up fast once the field is confirmed. ANEW Resort Hunters Rest offers a rare mix for Nedbank Golf Challenge spectators: a comfortable, well-equipped resort with its own dining, spa, and leisure facilities, positioned close enough to Gary Player Country Club for an easy tournament-day commute.
If you’re planning your trip to the 2026 Nedbank Golf Challenge, reserve your room, spa treatment, and restaurant table at Hunters Rest well ahead of time; advance booking is required for all three, and spots go quickly during tournament week.
Escape to the mountains. Discover more.
Nestled at the foot of the Magaliesberg Mountains, just 90 minutes from Johannesburg and Pretoria, ANEW Resort Hunters Rest offers the perfect countryside escape. Set across beautiful natural surroundings near Kgaswane Nature Reserve, the resort combines comfortable accommodation with plenty to explore. From family adventures and outdoor activities to relaxing spa treatments and leisurely afternoons beside the pool, there’s something for everyone. With 98 rooms, including spacious family suites and self-catering options, it’s an ideal destination for couples, families and group getaways.
- Golf, putt-putt, tennis, nature walks and adventure activities for all ages
- Heated and cold swimming pools, plus a dedicated day spa for relaxation
- On-site dining, traditional South African boma experiences and a bar
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, romantic escape or weekend away with friends, discover a countryside retreat where adventure and relaxation come together.
