Johannesburg, South Africa: Louis Oosthuizen recovered from a wobbly start to post a four-under-par 68 for victory in the South African Open hosted by the City of Joburg.
The 36-year-old South African, who had a three-shot advantage at the start of the day, gave hope to his rivals when he made consecutive bogeys on holes two and three.
However, he proceeded to sink four birdie putts before making the turn and subsequently cruised to a four-shot victory with an 18-under-par 266 total at the Randpark Golf Club.
The South African Open hosted by the City of Joburg is the third Asian Tour title won by Oosthuizen. He was victorious at the 2012 Maybank Malaysian Open and the 2016 Perth International, his last professional win.
“It’s always tough when you’ve been through some stuff and the people who have been behind you are not here to celebrate with you. My wife and kids have been phenomenal. It would’ve been great to have them here with me,” said the 2010 Open champion, who struggled to contain his tears.
He added: “My putting has been as good as it’s ever been. I had all the confidence to hit my putts, even if I hit them two or three feet past. You don’t have that all the weeks, but this week I definitely had that.”
Oosthuizen earned a winner’s cheque of US$203,335.
Frenchman Romain Lanagasque grabbed second place after carding the day’s lowest score of 66.
As the tournament is part of The Open Qualifying Series for the 148th Open at Royal Portrush, Lanagasque has earned a spot at the Major tournament next year together with South African Charl Schwartzel and England’s Oliver Wilson.
Asian Tour member Chang Yik-eun finished in a tie for seventh. After a double-bogey at the first hole, the Korean made amends with a birdie-eagle on three and four. He made three more birdies and another bogey to end his tournament with a 68.
Kurt Kitayama (70) of the United States, who won his maiden Asian Tour title last week in Mauritius, finished in tied-15th with fellow Tour members Jarin Todd (68), Matt Wallace (74), as well as Asian Tour Honorary Member and International Ambassador Ernie Els (71).