Amazing Grace breaks through
Monday, 16 January 2012
Branden Grace has clinched a maiden European Tour victory with a one-shot win at the Joburg Open on Sunday (local time).
The South African carded an even-par 72 in his final round at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, finishing at 17-under.
Englishman Jamie Elson finished a shot back after a dazzling nine-under 63 in his final round.
With none of the players in the leading groups making a charge for the lead, Grace shot a bogey and a birdie in his final round to seal the win.
"It's a dream come true. It's nice to win in front of a home crowd and I wouldn't exchange it for anything else," Grace said.
"It was pretty tough out there today. I played really nicely, I hit the ball superb, and the putter was just cold - I couldn't get the speed of the greens going today. Fortunately, at the end of the day, it was enough."
Elson, 30, holed seven birdies and an eagle to finish with a 63 for the second time in four rounds.
Several players were forced to finish their third rounds on Sunday after bad weather forced them off a day earlier.
Englishman Richard Finch, who was an overnight co-leader, finished his third round at 14-under, but he could only produce a poor six-over 78 to complete the event.
Tied for third at 14-under were six players - Scots David Drysdale and Marc Warren and South African quartet Jaco van Zyl, Trevor Fisher Jr, Dawie van der Walt and Michiel Bothma.
Australian Daniel Gaunt (seven-under) finished 10 shots off the pace in equal 32nd position while compatriot Scott Strange ended up one-under in a share of 102nd spot.