The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Scot pipped by Grace for ‘Africa’s major’
Scott Jamieson loses out as South African prevails on thrilling final day of Nedbank Golf Challenge
Scott Jamieson had to settle for second place after losing out to South African Branden Grace after playing his part in an enthralling final-day battle at the Nedbank Golf Challenge hosted by Gary Player in Sun City yesterday.
Home favourite Grace entered the final round three behind the Scot but a closing bogey-free 66 moved him to 11 under and handed him a one-shot win over Jamieson, who signed for a 70.
Grace sealed victory with a 40ft putt on the 16th green.
Frenchman Victor Dubuisson also recorded a 70 to finish at nine under as the three playing partners produced a dramatic finish to the seventh Rolex Series event of the season on the European Tour.
Grace took advantage of the par five second and hit excellent approaches to birdie the fifth and sixth but was a shot behind Dubuisson at the turn.
The 29-year-old continued to make the most of the par fives and gains on the 10th and 14th put him in a three-way tie at the top before he made that crucial putt to take the title and complete a momentous week when he also found out his wife was having a baby boy.
“It’s a dream come true to win at Sun City and to win Africa’s major,” he said at the trophy presentation.
China’s Li Haotong posted the lowest round of the week with a 64 to finish seven under, leaving him a shot ahead of two-time major winner Martin Kaymer and two clear of Englishman Lee Westwood and South African Darren Fichardt.
Matthew Fitzpatrick was at four under, a shot ahead of two more Englishmen in Tommy Fleetwood and Graeme Storm.
A win this week would have seen Fleetwood take the Race to Dubai title.
He now heads to the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai with an extended lead at the top of the standings and the knowledge that only countryman Justin Rose and Masters champion Sergio Garcia can catch him.
Aberdonian Richie Ramsay carded a final round 72 to finish on one-under and 10 shots behind Grace.
David Drysdale fired a closing round 78 to finish four-over. Stephen Gallacher was 10 over after a 75 and Marc Warren two shots further back after a 78.