Calum Hill returns home proud after having secured a career-best tied third result and just missing out by a shot in joining a play-off at the Kenya Savannah Classic in Nairobi.
Hill, 26, produced a whirlwind seven birdies in eight holes mid-round only to produce a 72nd hole bogey in a score of 64 for a 20-underpar tally on the Karen Country Club course.
South African Daniel Van Tonder captured a maiden European Tour birdieing the third extra play-off hole to defeat Thai sensation Jazz Janewattandanond after both players ended regulation play with rounds of 64 for 21-under par totals.
A champion with a birdie on the third play-off hole 💪#SavannahClassic https://t.co/lcL0KObWQA pic.twitter.com/S0euXDKOEv
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) March 26, 2021
Hill, and playing alongside Van Tonder, went into the last day four shots off the lead and three times over the last round of the inaugural event he muscled his way to a tie for the lead.
Van Tonder looked likely to finish tied with Hill but for a monster 18th hole birdie to grab the clubhouse lead.
In the end the Crook of Devon Hill secured a career-high tie for third in just his 30th Tour start with England’s Sam Horsfield and also signed for a 64.
Calum Hill registers a Tour career high of T3rd at the Kenya Savannah Classic
It is a second top-four result for Hill in just three events since working with legendary caddy, Phil ‘Wobbly’ Morbey after being fourth in the Saudi Invitational.
Hill said: “It was a very good week. I played really nice today, it was good work.
“All aspects of my game were pretty solid. I didn’t really do too well in the first two rounds, but the final two rounds were great. Lots of positives from the weekend.
“The final round was fantastic and I had a great battle with Danny with lots of birdies and just a bit of a salty way to finish it.
Calum Hill’s sensational run of what would be seven birdies in eight holes from the 6th to 13th holes
“I’ve really liked this course. Everything about it is a lot of fun. It’s a golf course that tests a bit of everything. You have to hit it very straight, control your distances into the greens, they are undulated, the Kikuyu around the greens is tricky to chip from. It tests everything.”
The effort should see Hill jump 36 places to the new World No. 119th when the rankings are adjusted Monday morning (UK time)
Border’s David Drysdale finished two shots further back in grabbing five birdies in a closing 67 for an 18-under par total and a share of fifth place.
He said: “Overall I’m pleased as it was a good week. I hit a lot of good shots today but didn’t putt particularly well. I holed a couple then missed a couple of chances on the back nine.
“I played reasonably in Qatar, then last week I spent too much time in the trees.
“So, my game really improved, I sent a few videos to my coach, changed the driver head and it’s been solid from tee to green, a couple more putts would be nice.”
Liam Johnston signed for a 70 for 13-under par with Richie Ramsay also a 70 and nine-under while Daniel Young made it three with 70s for his seven-under total.
