Storm claims first title in 10 years
JOHANNESBURG: Englishman Graeme Storm claimed a first European Tour trophy in almost 10 years after holding off the challenge of world No Rory McIlroy on the third playoff hole to win the South African Open yesterday.
Storm had held a threeshot lead going into the final round, but could only manage a 71 for a tournament total of 18underpar.
McIlroy led by one shot going into the last two holes, but bogeyed 17 and had to be content with a 68 to force a playoff.
Storm kept his composure though and, on the third attempt to separate the pair, he managed a par as McIlroy bogied following a skewed tee shot.
The 38yearold Storm had previously claimed victory at the 2007 Open de France and had initially missed out on a Euro pean Tour card for 2017.
He finished ¤100 ($NZ150) behind American Patrick Reed on the money list last year but the latter was removed, having not played in the required number of five tournaments.
‘‘I’m in shock. It’s been a surreal week,’’ Storm said at the trophy presentation.
‘‘To find myself in the position I was in going into the final day and playing against probably the best player in the world right now is just a dream come true.
‘‘I have to thank Patrick Reed for that. I got my playing rights back due to the fact that Patrick couldn’t play. And to win this tournament, with all the prestige it holds, is incredible.’’
The South African Open is the second oldest national championship in the world having first been played in 1893.