Nelson Mandela Championship, Round-up
The much awaited first ever Nelson Mandela Championship finally went underway after a delay of two days.
It would have been more appropriate if the tournament had taken place over the course of 72 holes. Nevertheless, there was much drama in the 36 holes for it to be called a successful event.
The course par was reduced to 65 as numerous holes were shortened and it was Scotland’s Scott Jamieson who took the honours at the Royal Durban Golf Club.
Jamieson carded stunning round of eight-under, 57 on Sunday to force a playoff with England’s Webster Steve and Spaniard, De La Riva.
Scott’s round of 57 will not be considered as a magical number due to the fact that course was reduced to 65.
The Scottish carded a bogey free round, which included eight birdies to climb 67 places on the leaderboard.
Englishman, Steve Webster also carded an excellent bogey free round of 60 on Sunday. On the hand Spaniard De la Riva could not shoot a bogey round but his 61 was still good enough to book his place in the playoffs.
The playoffs took place on the 18th hole, the Spaniard miscued his first shot and could only settle for a bogey whereas the other two carded regulation pars.
Webster and Scott again retained to 18th and this time it was the Englishman who missed the fairway from his tee shot. On the other hand, Jamieson hit the fairway and settle for a par whereas Steve carded a bogey.
This is Jamieson’s first ever victory on the European Tour and he takes an early ascendency in the Race to Dubai trophy.
“I knew I needed a fast start and was lucky enough to get that,” Jamieson said.
“It's an honour to win a tournament like this. Getting your name on any European trophy is a fantastic achievement, but it's a bit more special with someone like Nelson”.
Overnight leader, Madsen could not shoot a low round. The Danish shot one-under, 64 in the final round. Tim Clark also matched Orum’s performance as he also shot 64, the duo needed to shoot low round but they failed to do.
It was expected that South African golfers would do well but for some reason they just could not get out of their shell.
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