Storm stares down Rory for the title

of the green. He left his second shot in the middle of the trap and ended up walking off with a bogey. It cost him the lead with only the 18th to play after going in front a few holes earlier. Storm said: “That was a terrible break for Rory at 17. That lie was so unfortunate.

“But what a privilege playing with him today ... it was unbelievable. And to come out on top is a dream come true.”

Finishing third, one-shot off featuring in the playoff, was England’s Jordan Smith, who enjoyed a wonderful week at Glendower.

After opening with a 67, he shot three rounds of 68 to earn just over R1 million – no doubt the biggest pay cheque of his career. He’ll rue the double bogey at the seventh though which ultimately cost him a shot at glory. He also made four birdies, two eagles and two bogeys.

In fourth spot on his own was Dean Burmester who’ll also rue making double bogey at 17. Besides that blemish, and a further bogey at 14, he played excellent golf during his final round, making six birdies.

In joint fifth place were Trevor Fisher Jnr and Thomas Aiken, who both shot 69s in their final rounds, to be four shots off the pace.

A further shot back was a group of six players including Finland’s Mikko Korhonen and Italy’s Edoardo Molinari.

Defending champion Brandon Stone finished down the field in a tie for 31st after carding a final round 69.