Nedbank Golf Challenge. Play-Off Win For Tommy Fleetwood.

It was a play-off win for Tommy Fleetwood of England at the Nedbank Golf Challenge, with a birdie at the first extra hole, against Marcus Kinhult from Sweden.

Tommy / getty

Tommy, -7 under 65 today, and Marcus with a last round -4 under 68 both finished on top of the Nedbank Golf Challenge leaderboard at -12 under par. Tommy won at the first extra hole, the par four 18th, with a birdie;

“Golf is a funny old game and all we want to do is win, everybody strives for the same thing week in, week out and unless you do you’re never satisfied, even finishing second.”

“I was struggling with levels of expectation because I wasn’t playing how I thought that I should or achieving the things that I wanted to.”

“It’s such a great, great thing and a feeling to be playing with a chance to win the Race to Dubai in the last event. Everybody starts the Tour at the start of the season to get there and to be one of the guys that can actually finish at the top is very special.”

“At a young age now you have a chance to set your family up for life and I think of all my achievements that’s the thing I’m most proud of.”

“It’s great to have something like that and put that one in the bank account but nothing comes close to holding this trophy; this is the most special thing.”

Marcus was proud of his golf this week;

” I’m proud, I shot a good score today, got into the play-off and made a silly bogey but I’m happy with the week and how I played. It’s a good week.”

Tied in third place at -8 under were Bernd Wiesberger, Austria, Jason Scrivener, Australia, both with final rounds of -2 under, and Thomas Detry of Belgium who collapsed to a last round +2 over par 74.

Nedbank Golf Challenge. Zander Still Leads.

Zander Lombard of South Africa carded an even par third round of 72, but still leads the Nedbank Golf Challenge, by one shot at the Gary Player Country Club in Sun City.

Zander / getty

Zander fought hard for his 72 today, which kept him on top of the Nedbank Golf Challenge leaderboard at -11 under par;

I’m still in the lead, I’ve got to stay positive and I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.”

“I just couldn’t get it going today. I didn’t really make any mistakes, I just missed two or three fairways that really put me behind the eight ball and you can’t attack this golf course if you’re not in the fairway.”

“I don’t want to sound cocky but it’s been a long time coming. I’ve really made big strides in how I do things on and off the golf course.”

“It’s nice to get some feedback and some results from the hard work.”

Louis Oosthuizen is that one shot back at -10 under, sharing second place, after his third round -1 under 71 ;

“I need to give myself more chances on the greens, decent chances for birdies, not from 30, 40 feet away all the time.”

 “But probably a little bit more aiming towards the pins tomorrow and just try and put a little pressure on Zander.”

“This is the tournament growing up as a kid you watched and wanting to have your name on that plaque walking up the 9th hole there. It would mean a lot. But I need to play a little better tomorrow.”

Tied with Louis in that second place is Thomas Detry of Belgium, he signed for a third round -3 under par 69;

“Very, very happy, I pretty much missed only one shot today. I hit a cart path and went into the trees and made double bogey, but other than that, played some really good golf.”

“I think it’s going to be a fun battle tomorrow. It’s fantastic to play with these two guys. Louis is great and Zander, as well.”

“The atmosphere is fantastic out there and I’m very much looking forward to tomorrow.”

 

Nedbank Golf Challenge. Zander Lombard Leads Ahead.

Zander Lombard, of South Africa, leaps ahead in the Rolex Series, Nedbank Golf Challenge at Gary Player Country Club in South Africa.

      Zander / getty

Zander carded a second round -7 under par 65 to lead the Nedbank Golf Challenge by two shots at -11 under, after the 36 holes;

“It was all positives and I really enjoyed it today.” 

“We were just fighting for a birdie every hole, not looking at the leaderboard or figuring out if we were going to just make par, we were trying to make a birdie every hole.”

“It was my mindset, I was being aggressive and being positive and it went my way today.”

“I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing, it seems to be working out there. I’m really placing the ball well and I’ll see if I can do it for the weekend as well.”

Yesterday’s runaway leader Louis Oosthuizen could only manage to score a  scruffy second round of even par 72, keeping on -9 under for the tournament, in second place;

“It was scruffy, I didn’t play great. It was tough, the wind was all over the place and I just didn’t hit the good shots. Hopefully tomorrow it’s a bit better.”

“Definitely more fatigued today, especially the last six, seven holes. The tee shot on the 14th, I hit it on the right side. I think it was more muscle related than anything else.”

“There are holes where you can attack but there’s a lot of holes where you just need to respect them and just take par and go to the next hole.”

In third place is Thomas Detry of Belgium, with a second round -1 under 71 for a tournament total of -7 under par.

 

 

 

Nedbank Golf Challenge. Louis -9 Under Leads.

Louis Oosthuizen, from South Africa, dominated the field on the first day of the Nedbank Golf Challenge, shooting -9 under par 63 at Gary Player Country Club in South Africa.

Louis / getty

Louis was very happy with his bogey free -9 under 63, after being unsure if he would tee it up at all;

“Considering that at 3.00am this morning I didn’t think I was doing going to tee it up, I’m very chuffed with that round.” 

“I spent a bit of time in the hospital in Rustenburg and this morning was just a little niggly but I went up to the range, hit a few shots and it didn’t really bother me.”

“It was more the walking fast that got it so I just slowed everything down and worked nicely.”

“I love this golf course. One of my first wins on the Sunshine Tour was here in the Dimension Data and it’s one of those places where I feel like I can play really good.”

“It was a good round of golf. I played pretty solid and just happy I didn’t make any bogeys which is always great around this golf course.”

In second place, three shots back at -6 under following a round of 66 is Thomas Detry of Belgium;

“I had it going pretty quickly, I have got good vibes out here. I played pretty well here last year. Not quite as good as Louis today, but pretty happy.”

“I’ve been playing really, really well recently. You know, again last week, I was eleven under after two rounds and didn’t play quite as good on the weekend.”

“I’m very comfortable with my game. If I can keep the putter hot for four days, then something might happen.”

 Guido Migliozzi, Italy, has third place with an opening round of -5 under par 67.

 

 

Nedbank Golf Challenge. Lee Westwood Wins.

 

Lee Westwood of England wins the Nedbank Golf Challenge in Sun City, South Africa.

Lee Westwood / getty

A final round of -8 under par 64 saw former World #1  Lee Westwood win the Nedbank Golf Challenge with a tournament total of -15 under par, a three shot winning margin, making birdie on three of his last five holes;

“I’m a bit emotional, to be honest, 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.”

“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.”

Leader for three rounds a disappointed Sergio Garcia, Spain, could only post a last round -2 under 70, for second place at -12 under par;

“To shoot 64 in the last round, the greens were a little bit softer today but still, you had to go out there and do it. It’s not that easy.”

“I’m thrilled for him, he had a bad Ryder Cup at Hazeltine and he struggled a little bit, he’s been playing much better this year.”

Home player Louis Oosthuizen, shot -3 under 69, to capture third place at -11 under par.

Nedbank Golf Challenge. Sergio Still Ahead.

Sergio Garcia of Spain is still ahead after 54 holes of the Nedbank Golf Challenge at the Gary Player Country Club in Sun City, South Africa.

Sergio / getty

Sergio carded a third round -1 under par 71, giving him a two shot advantage over the field going into the final round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge tomorrow with  tournament total of -10 under par. It would be Sergio’s third win at this event and also a wire to wire victory;

“To win would be great, winning any tournament is always amazing but winning here, a Rolex Series Event, obviously is extra special.”

“It would be really nice and we’re going to try to do that.”

“It’s going to be tough, there’s no doubt about that, but it’s great to come with some good momentum, playing nicely and in the lead. It should be a fun day.”

“I think if I can manage to shoot somewhere in the 60s, maybe 70 might be enough. I’m going to see if I can shoot below 70 and see if that’s good enough.”

Second place belongs to Louis Oosthuizen, South Africa, two  shots back at -8 under after his even par 72 third round. Louis is also a former champion of this event and is hanging on here;

“It was tough for me, I didn’t play well, didn’t hit many good shots, really.”

“I realised early on that it was a round I needed to keep together and not really blow myself out of the tournament. I hung in there nicely.”

Sharing third place at -7 under par are; Lee Westwood, England, who has won on this course, -3 under 69 today, Mikko Korhonen, Finland, -1 under 71, and Thomas Detry of Belgium with a third round -4 under 68.

Lee likes the course and being in contention;

“I always look forward to being in contention and playing in the last few groups.”

“Even more so when it’s a golf course like this where I’ve done well in the past.”

“It’s a tournament I love playing in and I love coming back to Sun City. It’s a good spot to be in.”

 

Nedbank Golf Challenge. Sergio Still Leads.

Sergio Garcia, Spain, is still on top of the Nedbank Golf Challenge at the Gary Player Country Club in Sun City, South Africa.

Sergio / getty

Sergio manage to keep the Nedbank Golf Challenge lead by one shot as he carded a second round -1 under par 71 after yesterdays heroics, to post a -9 tournament total;

Three three putts made a huge difference to Sergio’s score;

“The course is tough, It’s not every day you’re going to go out there and shoot 64, it doesn’t work like that. I feel like I played quite well.”

“Three three-putts, that’s never ideal but on these greens it can happen.”

“They are so quick and some of the pins are so tucked to the edges that it’s difficult to hit it close to them. Other than that, I felt like I played well throughout the whole day.”

“I stayed positive, I stayed calm. I wanted to shoot something below 70 and I felt like I had a chance of doing it, unfortunately it didn’t work out but we’re still in the lead. It’s good.”

Louis Oosthuizen, South Africa, is in second place, one shot back at -8 under after his second round -5 under 67, he would love to win his home tournament;

“It would mean a lot, it’s a golf course I really enjoy playing and in front of the home crowd will be pretty special.”

“I’m very excited. I’ve got quite a few friends and family here and obviously the home crowd behind me. It should be fun playing tomorrow.”

“I feel like I’m hitting it good off the tee, I’m finding the fairways and my iron play has been good for a while.”

Mikko Korhonen, Finland, is third, with a second round -2 under 70, giving him a tournament total of -6 under par;

“We guessed the wind wrong a couple times there because it’s coming from everywhere.”

“Playing in the last group is always a little bit more exciting but it’s a good day.”

“I got it back on track, that was a good thing, a nice back nine. I hit a couple of good shots there.”

Nedbank Golf Challenge. Sergio Streaks Ahead.

Sergio Garcia of Spain streaks ahead of the field in the first round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge at the Gary Player Country Club in South Africa.

Sergio / getty

Sergio has a four shot lead after the first round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge shooting a bogey free  opening round -8 under par 64;

“It felt great, I rolled the ball nicely, I made some good putts here and there.”

“It was one of those rounds where things happened nicely to me. I think I played very smart, I probably wasn’t swinging unbelievably but I kept it under control and kept the ball in play all the time which is difficult to do here.”

“I managed to guess some of the winds here right and that is very, very difficult. When you can do that here, it’s nice to be able to shoot a score like this.”

Sharing second place at -4 under par following rounds of  68 are home favorite Charl Schwartzel, Mike Lorenzo-Vera, France and Mikko Korhonen of Finland.

Mike is playing well, bogey free, and chipping in twice today;

“I’m really enjoying it because I feel like I’m playing well.”

“It’s not far from having a really, really strong week soon so I’m looking forward to what is coming.”

“Bogey-free and I only had to chip twice today so the long game is properly consistent so I’m very happy. “

“The way I was hitting the ball today was a really good performance.”

Nedbank Golf Challenge. Home Win For Branden Grace.

It was a home win for Branden Grace as he collected the trophy at the Nedbank Golf Challenge at the Gary Player Country Club in South Africa.

Branden Grace / getty

It was an amazing final round with the lead swapping all the time but Branden sunk a 40 foot putt on the 16th to put daylight between him and his close pursuers. That putt gave him a final round -6 under par 66, to win the  Nedbank Golf Challenge at -11 under par;

“This is awesome, this is the one event that as a South African you want to win. It’s Africa’s Major for a reason and what a special place it is.”

“There’s a lot of history and a lot of great winners on the trophy and I’m very glad to be able to put my name on the trophy as well.”

“It’s a very special week, we found out on Wednesday we’re having a boy.”

“I had to stay patient and I had to take the chances when they came my way. I missed a couple of short ones but I think the big key was the putt on 16.”

Scott Jamieson, Scotland, was second, at -10 under, with his last round -2 under 70;

“I got off to a nice start and things were looking good. Got a little blip on number eight.”

” On 16, perhaps if my chip had gone in, it might have been a different story. I’m sure I’ll look back and take great pride with that.”

Victor Dubuisson, France, finished in third spot at -9 under par with a final round -2 under 70.

Best round of the day went to Li Haotong of China, an amazing -8 under par 64, giving him fourth place on his own at -7 under par.

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Nedbank Golf Challenge. Scott Jamieson Has 54 Hole Lead In Sun City.

Scott Jamieson, Scotland, has 54 hole lead at the Nedbank Golf Challenge In Sun City.

Scott Jamieson / getty

Scott carded a third round -5 under 67 to edge himself into the 54 hole lead at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa at -8 under par, using a hot putter;

“It was much the same tee-to-green probably as the other few days.”

 “Just the putter was a little hotter today. I got rid of those three-putts I had earlier on in the round yesterday.”

“It’s exciting. I’m in a good position, tomorrow will be a new challenge. Still an awful long way to go but if I can do what I did today, I’ll be in with a good shout.”

“It would be the biggest moment of my career, I’ll be well aware of that tomorrow. I’ve got to see if I can step up to the challenge.”

Victor Dubuisson, France, is in second place, a third round -1 under 71 not quite what he was looking for, but at -7 under he is only one shot back, struggling with his putter today;

“I played as good as the first two rounds but my putting was maybe not as good.”

“With 18 holes to go everything can happen here. So I hope I will just focus on doing my best and just don’t make mistakes.”

Martin Kaymer, Germany, -3 under 69 today, and Brandon Grace, South Africa, -4 under 68, share third place at -5 under par.

Brandon wants to win South Africa’s “Major”;

“I hit it great again today.”

“This is probably the event as a South African you want to win. “

“It’s “Africa’s Major” for a reason and it’s one of those you’re going to have to play well to win and hopefully I can do that tomorrow.”

Martin has received coaching from the sponsor Gary Player;

“I actually worked a little bit on the short game with Gary Player.”

“He’s always very supportive of my game and always tries to help me. I’m very excited to tell him tomorrow that I actually had a chip-in.”

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