Thomas Bjorn claimed his second success this year in grabbing two eagles over his closing nine holes and come from behind and win the Nedbank Golf Challenge.
The reigning Omega European Masters champions won by two shots with a seven under par 65 for 20-under victory total.
Thomas Bjorn with 2013 Nedbank Trophy. (Photo – www.europeantour.com)
Overnight leader Jamie Donaldson of Wales wasted a three-shot advantage with a final-round 70 and tied for second with Sergio Garcia (65).
“They were two big moments,” said Bjorn.he
“Having two eagles on the back nine on a Sunday doesn’t happen very often and 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 check at Sun City is the 42-year-old Bjorn’s biggest prize and it’s his 15th European Tour title.
Donaldson was bidding to become the first debut winner at Sun City since Zimbabwe’s Mark McNulty in 1986 but bogeyed the ninth hole, and couldn’t find any more birdies until Garcia’s challenge slipped away with a dropped shot at the 16th after a run of four straight birdies at the end of his front nine, allowing Bjorn to bogey the last at Gary Player Country Club and still win.
Thomas Bjorn acknowledges the crowd after holing out for victory in the Nedbank Challenge. (Photo – www.europeantour.com)
Bjorn’s triumph was hailed by fans gathered around the final green waving South African flags in late afternoon sunshine and on a day dedicated in the country to prayer and reflection following the death of former President Nelson Mandela.
Those present at the inaugural European Tour event then 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,” said Bjorn.
“He was a great man.
“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.”
European No, 1 Henrik Stenson was fourth on six under after his 67.
The South Africans Brendon de Jonge (66) was fifth on 15 under and Charl Schwartzel (66) sixth on 13 under.
American Ryan Moore, another Sun City rookie, was in contention through three rounds before a 73 on Sunday took him back to a tie for seventh with U.S. Open champion Justin Rose.
Home favorite and three-time champion Ernie Els 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.
