Jamieson had ended his third round late Saturday sharing ninth place at 10-under but with still a handful of golfers to complete their rounds due to darkness on the host Durban Country Club course.
Among those still to complete his third round was South African Dylan Naidoo, 27-year-old, Joburg-born, current World No. 466 who had won twice on the Sunshine Tour.
Naidoo was tied at 14-under through 16 holes and tied with England’s Laurie Canter who was the clubhouse leader.
South African Dylan Naidoo wins 114th South African Open
Heavy Saturday night/Sunday morning rain flooded the course, first suspending play before officials announced near noon the final round was being cancelled.
Even though Naidoo had not completed 18 holes of his third round organisers declared the tournament would go to a sudden death play-off at 3pm local time and with Naidoo brilliantly chipping his second shot at the 18th to five-foot for a birdie and claim the title.
Victory earned the South African a virtual three-year DP World Tour exemption to the end of 2027 along with a tee time in July’s 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
Naidoo said: “I really don’t know what to say. After a lot of really difficult times, a lot of times where I thought I’d do this earlier in my career.
“This is a special moment for me, it’s a special moment for everybody here in Durban – it’s overwhelming.
“I said yesterday it felt like I was Tiger Woods (due to the bumper crowds following him). There were so many people.
“All the energy that I had, I can’t thank everyone enough for coming out yesterday and today. I’m speechless.”
Also earning an Open tee-time was third-placed Englishman Marco Penge and also 49-year-old South African Darren Fichardt who share third place at 12-under, and due to his higher World Ranking he’s also headed to Royal Portrush.
Disappointment for Jamieson as it was 12-years since he was in Durban to capture a maiden Tour success just two miles down the road at the Royal Durban club.
However, Jamieson’s still only victory came about in similar circumstances to this week as he was leading the rain-interrupted Nelson Mandela Championship when continuing rain reduced the event to just two rounds.
Unlike the Durban Country Club course today, the Royal Durban host layout back in December 2012 was so saturated a play-off was not possible.
Officials declared Jamieson the winner.
