Lipsky keeps Drysdale at bay to end on a high

DAVID Lipsky was delighted to end a “tough” year with victory at the Alfred Dunhill Championship.

The American survived a late wobble at Leopard Creek Country Club to win his second European Tour title by two strokes.

The 30-year-old had led by four shots with three holes of his final round remaining before a double bogey on the 16th set up a tense finale.

He held on, though, with a birdie on the par-five last taking him to 14 under par, two shots clear of Scotland’s David Drysdale (below).

Lipsky, who failed to secure a top-five finish in the 2018 Race to Dubai season, was pleased to return to the winner’s circle for the first time since the 2014 Omega European Masters.

Lipsky said: “This was a tough year for me. I haven’t played that well and have really struggled. To cap it off with a win at the end of the year is so special and I’m really looking forward to big things in 2019.

“Winning is what we all hope to do, it’s what we practise for, it’s what we all put the time in for – the blood, sweat and tears.”

South African Zander Lombard and Scotland’s Scott Jamieson finished in a tie for third on 11 under, with Englishmen Oliver Wilson and Ben Evans in joint fifth, three shots further back.

Meanwhile, Justin Rose missed the chance to return to world No 1 as Thailand’s Poom Saksansin claimed the Indonesian Masters title.

Defending champion Rose – needing a top-12 finish to replace Brooks Koepka at the top of the rankings – carded a disappointing three-overpar 75 at Royale Jakarta Golf Club to finish joint 17th on six under – one shot off tying for 12th.