South Africa's Shaun Norris was overcome with emotion as he won the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek on Sunday by one stroke.
Norris, who had charged the course earlier with an eagle on the second hole, finished with a 67 to take the lead in the clubhouse at 13 under and tied with several players.
But in the end only South Africa's Ryan van Velzen had a chance to catch him as he teed off on the 18th hole to share the lead.
As Norris was on the range warming up for a possible playoff, Van Velzen hit his ball into the water around the dangerous 18th green and made bogey.
βItβs unbelievable,β Norris said after claiming his second DP World Tour title. “Words can't describe how I feel right now. I'm ecstatic.
“I didn't know until after my last putt that I had shot a 67. I was concentrating on every shot and doing what I needed to do. It ended up being good.”
Van Velzen finished with a 72 to tie for second at 12 under with England's John Parry (69) and Sweden's Markus Kimhut (74).
Before teeing off on Sunday, Norris told his brother and caddy Kyle that if they could get under par through the first five holes, they might have a chance. It was an eagle on the par-5 second hole that gave him that opportunity.
“That eagle was the key. It's very important to get off to a good start and get yourself into a good rhythm,” he said.
A composed back nine with three birdies further boosted his chances as he was the only player in the top four on the leaderboard not to make a bogey on the back nine.
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Norris was also delighted to win at Leopard Creek, a course that holds a special place in every South African golfer's heart.
“This title means everything to me. To be able to win at Leopard Creek, which has been in great shape and where we have Ernie Els, Charl Schwartzel and Fantastic champions like Louis Oosthuizen – to now have my name on this trophy is a blessing.
“It changes things for me. I have a lot to look forward to in the next few years. But now it's time for a break.”
Photo: Sunshine Journey
