Sport

Westwood storms past leaders to snatch up 2018 NGC

The Nedbank Golf Challenge hosted by Gary Player recently took place at Sun City.

Lee Westwood had the best of intention to win the 2018 Nedbank Golf Challenge, NGC, when he tee-off on the final day of Africa’s Major tournament.

The Nedbank Golf Challenge hosted by Gary Player recently took place at Sun City.

In sweltering heat, the 45-year-old Westwood, kept his calm and broke his four year drought to lift the 2018 NGC trophy in front of a sell-out-crowd. He recorded his first in four-years and second NGC title while having 24 European Tour titles overall.

Westwood came from well behind to erase three shots from the leader, Sergio Garcia on the final day of play. His five back nine birdies helped him to his eight-under 64 on the Gary Player Country club to finish 15 under and ousted Garcia (70) by three. South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen (69) humble efforts helped him to a third at 11-under.

Five back-nine birdies helped Lee Westwood erase a three-shot deficit to start the day and chase down Sergio Garcia to win the Nedbank Golf Challenge on Sunday in Sun City, South Africa.

Westwood shot an eight-under 64 at Gary Player Country Club to finish 15 under and beat Garcia (70) by three. Garcia opened Sunday leading Louis Oosthuizen by two and Westwood by three. Oosthuizen (69) finished alone in third at 11 under.

“I’m a bit emotional, to be honest,” said the Englishman, Westwoord, “You’re never sure whether you’re going to be able to do it again.”

“Until now my emotions have felt really under control all day which is what I’ve been working hard on. I was just trying to hit fairways and stick to my game-plan and hit it in the right places.

2. SWEET SHOT: South Africa’s Brando Grace gets his chip shot in fine style out of the bunker at 12th during the Nedbank Golf Challenge. (Photo) Annette van Schalkwyk

“I’ve got a bit of a process that I’m going through with my golf swing and I’m starting to see better shots. The seven iron into 17 is probably one of the best shots I’ve ever hit.”

His girlfriend and caddie, Helen Storey, jumped into his arms when he finished on the 72nd green.

Englishman Lee Westwood reigned supreme at Sun City as he carded a strong closing 64 to win the 2018 Nedbank Golf Challenge at the Gary Player Country Club on Sunday.

The 45-year-old was three shots behind Spaniard, Sergio Garcia in the morning of the third day, but signalled his intentions early on with an eagle that saw him shoot up to the top of the leaderboard.

Five back-nine birdies helped Lee Westwood erase a three-shot deficit to start the day and chase down Sergio Garcia to win the Nedbank Golf Challenge on Sunday in Sun City, South Africa.

Westwood shot an eight-under 64 at Gary Player Country Club to finish 15 under and beat Garcia (70) by three. Garcia opened Sunday leading Louis Oosthuizen by two and Westwood by three. Oosthuizen (69) finished alone in third at 11 under.

The 45-year-old Westwood kick-started his round with an eagle on the par-5 2nd hole. He closed with four birdies in his last six holes. His girlfriend and caddie, Helen Storey, jumped into his arms when he finished on the 72nd green.

It’s Westwood’s first European Tour victory since the 2014 Maybank Malaysian Open. His last victory was the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters in 2015, an Asian Tour event.

“You are never sure whether you are going to be able to do it again,” Westwood said post-round, fighting tears.

For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton RecordComaro ChronicleSouthern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.

Remember to visit our FacebookTwitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.zajuliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za

Get regular news updates sent directly to your inbox: Newsletter-Signup

Related Articles

Back to top button