THOMAS Bjorn came from behind to surprise overnight leader, Jamie Donaldson and win the much coveted Nedbank Golf Challenge.
The Nedbank Golf Challenge was held from Thursday, December 5 to Sunday, December 8 at the Gary Player Country Club, Sun City. This is the first year the Nedbank has been part of the European Tour’s schedule.
The Dane pulled off the win of his life when he started the fourth round being three behind overnight leader Donaldson of Wales. Donaldson wasted a three-shot advantage with a final round 70 and tied for second with Sergio Garcia (65).
Bjorn on the other hand carved out two eagles in his last nine holes, one brilliant and one a little lucky, to come from behind, closing with a 65 for 20-under overall and a two-shot victory.
Bjorn’s sweet five iron into No. 10 set up the first eagle to push him past Donaldson. The Dane had his second on No. 14 after his approach pitched in a bunker and rolled up onto the green.
“They were two big moments,” Bjorn said. “Obviously having two eagles on the back nine on a Sunday doesn’t happen very often. The shot into 14 was a bit fortunate, but that’s what happens when you win golf tournaments, I guess.”
The $1.25 million winner’s cheque at Sun City is the 42-year-old Bjorn’s biggest prize and it’s his 15th European Tour title.
Donaldson is the first debut winner at Sun City since Zimbabwe’s Mark McNulty in 1986. Bjorn’s triumph was recognised at the No. 18 waving streams of South African flags in late afternoon sunshine on a day dedicated in the country to prayer and reflection following the death of former President Nelson Mandela. The tournament stood for a rendition of the South African anthem at the end.
“I think to the whole world he was just an inspiration to human beings. He was a great man,” Bjorn said of Mandela at the trophy presentation. “To see what one man can do, it’s an inspiration to all of us. If we all just did a bit more, this world would be a better place.”
South Africa’s Ernie Els, three-time champion, had to deal with news of Mandela’s passing on Thursday and the death of his former psychological coach on Saturday, and ended with a second straight 77 to finish 12 over par and second from last in the expanded 30-man field.
