GOLF:A LITTLE OVER six months after lifting the Claret Jug at St Andrews, Louis Oosthuizen returned to form and delivered the winning blow from a play-off to land the €1 million African Open at East London Golf Club.
The British Open champion may have been struggling with his putter all week, but when it came to the crunch, he holed from 10 feet at the first play-off hole to deny England’s Chris Wood and Spain’s Manuel Quiros.
Wood (68) and Quiros (69) were already in the clubhouse on 16 under 276 before Oosthuizen parred the last three holes in regulation to ensure his place in the three-way play-off with a closing 70.
The trio returned to the par four 18th tee for sudden death and Oosthuizen rode his luck as a hooked tee-shot still found the short grass.
“I was quite fortunate in the play-off because I hit a terrible tee shot but fortunately, it found the fairway,” said the South African, who denied his opponents a maiden tour victory.
“From there I had the perfect distance for a sand wedge and knew I could get a bit of spin on the ball.”
Wood’s approach finished at the front of the green, while Quiros overshot the putting surface before both made par to leave Oosthuizen centre stage.
After a couple of practice putts, the 28 year-old holed out to claim the €158,500 first prize and his third European Tour victory.
It was an enthralling final day with no fewer than seven players leading the co-sanctioned tournament after Oosthuizen and Austria’s Marcus Brier had held the overnight lead.
Wood eventually set the clubhouse target before Quiros came up on the rails with three consecutive birdies to join him.
Defending champion Charl Schwartzel and fellow South African Jaco Van Zyl both shot 70, while Scotland’s Steven O’Hara carded the low round of the day (66) to finish tied fourth on 15 under.
The winner will quickly forget his struggles with the blade and had his caddy to thank in what was a memorable week competing on home soil.
“It was a bit of a struggle and I couldn’t get anything in the hole. It was just one of those weeks where the putter was really cold,” added Oosthuizen. “My caddy Zach (Rasego) was great, all week he just said for me to keep calm and stay patient and the putts will drop. Thankfully, I holed that one in the play-off.
“It’s nice playing at home and when you do you want to put on a performance and play well for the crowds. The first two rounds were fantastic playing alongside Clarkey (Darren Clarke) and Retief (Goosen) – the tournament had a great field.”
Clarke’s hopes of moving up the world rankings were dashed for although he closed with a 68, the 42-year-old was still well down the field, tied 26th on eight under 284.
Gareth Maybin signed for a 71 to end his week on six under.
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