Fichardt wins Joburg Open

IN a rain-affected 2017 Joburg Open, Darren Fichardt held onto his lead and nerve to win the coveted title, claiming his fifth European title and his first win in four years.

Played at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club from Thursday, February 23, to Sunday, February 26, the four-round event had to be slashed from 72 holes to 54 due to rain.

The delay was caused by a suspended first round (Thursday) that had to be completed on Friday morning and a second round that had to be completed on Saturday morning.

Fichardt continued in good form over the tournament and, on the final day of play, Sunday, he fired a birdie to post a four-under-par 68 and finish one shot clear of his nearest challengers, Stuart Manley and Paul Waring.

Fichardt earned a place in the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, later this year.

Stuart Manley and Paul Waring shared second place on 14 under, and took the other two spots on offer into the Open.

Manley and Waring also secured spots in this summer’s 146th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

Unfortunately, Keith Horne, from Alberton, who is based at the Eye of Africa, could not make the cut-off on Friday to go into the final round of play.

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