Kingston rules Royal Swazi Open
JAMES Kingston was crowned Royal Swazi Open champion on Saturday after draining a 12-foot putt on the 18th at Royal Swazi Sun Country Club in Swaziland, to pip Ruan de Smidt in a play-off.
“Every win is a big win and they ’ re all gratifying, ” said Kingston.
“I haven ’ t won in a while, and I ’ ve grinded over the last few months, so coming away with a win just makes it all worth it.”
The 47-year-old has seen it all in his 25 years as a professional, and won the Swazi Open in 2002. He relied on that experience when he turned up the pressure during the play-off.
“Deep inside I knew I was playing well, and the fact that I ’ ve won before in Swaziland helped. It was a tough pin to attack today, but I had to take it on because I went out to win,” he said.
The Rustenburg golfer had been in a slump, but turned all of that around with his play-off victory, which came on the back of 21 birdies and two eagles made during the 72 holes of regulation play.
That scoring equated to a 45-point total based on the tournament ’ s modified stableford scoring format, which offers eight points for an albatross, five for an eagle, two for a birdie and none for par. One point is deducted for every bogey and three for double or worse.
Kingston and de Smidt finished on 45 points apiece and entered a sudden-death play-off, repeating the 18th until the victor emerged. That moment came during the second play-off hole.
Mark Williams made an incredible birdie at the 17th and then lipped out with his chip for victory at the 18th. He missed a threefooter for par coming back, eliminating himself from a chance at the play-off and finishing in a share of third. –