Fleetwood’s win at Sun City propels him up Race to Dubai rankings

England Tommy Fleetwood overcame Swede Marcus Kinhult in a play-off to win the Nedbank Golf Challenge at Gary Country Club in Sun City on Sunday. The Englishman started the final day six shots off the lead.

He carded a final round of seven-under-par 65 to finish tied on a 12-under total of 276 with Sweden’s Marcus Kinhult, who shot 68.

He managed three eagles and four birdies in an impressive round. Fleetwood then made a par on the first extra hole to win $2.5 million, the biggest first prize in the history of the European Tour.

The victory takes Fleetwood up to second on the Race to Dubai Rankings. He will be looking to be crowned Europe’s Number One for the second time in three seasons at next week’s season finale in Dubai. He says it would be incredible to win it again.

Fleetwood’s fifth European Tour win is his first since January 2018. It was the culmination of a consistent run of form that has seen him make 41 consecutive cuts worldwide. He finished six shot behind in round one, five shots behind in round two and six shots behind in round three. He says he had the belief to win after managing an eagle on the ninth hole.

South African Zander Lombard was fourth in round one, the leader in round two and three but fell by the wayside in the final round. He finished tied in eighth position signing off with six-under par total of 282. He was very disappointed.

Lombard was making his debut at the Nedbank Golf Challenge. He was not sure what went wrong on the day but feels that he has made great strides in the last few months.

Louis Oosthuizen was the best placed South African tied in sixth position with Lee Westwood signing off with seven-under par total of 281. Christiaan Bezuidenhout finished tied in 24^th position.

George Coetzee finished tied in 30^th position with compatriot Erik Van Rooyen. Former winner Branden Grace finished tied in 39^th position while Justin Harding finished tied in 48^th. Veteran Ernie Els finished tied in 52^nd wile Richard Sterne finished in 60^th position. – Report by Vincent Sitsula

Nice surprise to get home to this today! Thanks @OMEGAGolfDubai team, quick work getting that done!!???? pic.twitter.com/qdFzfnzsvX

— Tommy Fleetwood (@TommyFleetwood1) November 18, 2019

???@TommyFleetwood1’s third eagle on the 14th hole is today’s #StrokeOfGenius. pic.twitter.com/0SaJenlrVw

— Nedbank Golf Challenge (@golfatsun) November 17, 2019