It seemed only appropriate a South African born player should win the second annual Nelson Mandela Championship in Durban.

A day before the tournament’s namesake will be laid to rest where he was born and it was Dawie Van Walt who was handed the marvelous looking trophy featuring an image of Mandela.

The reduced 54-hole win is Van Der Walt’s second European Tour success after capturing last year’s Tshwane Open Championship.

Van Der Walt, ranked 337th in the World Rankings, posted a final round that included an eagle and five birdies in a four under par 66 to win with a 15-under par tally.

South African Dawie Van Der Walt with memorable Nelson Mandela Championship trophy. (Photo – David Lloyd/www.golffile.ie)

“I made a good eagle on 12 after taking a bogey on 11 but then followed the eagle up with a good shot on 13 and hit a good putt, as my putting has been solid all week,” he said.

“I then got really lucky on the par five 14th as I nearly took out a spectator when the ball could have gone anywhere.

“But to win the Nelson Mandera Championship after what has taken place the last week or so is like making this win a part of history, so to win the Nelson Mandela Championship in this emotional week when it’s sad for everyone  and tomorrow is the big day means a lot and this win will be something that I can keep close to my heart for the remainder of my career.”

And Van Der Walt, who walked from the course to be greeted by his young daughter, not only captured a second European Tour title but victory in Durban saw him wrap up th e 2013 Sunshine Tour money list title

The 30-year old Van Der Walt teed-up in the event having finished 24th in last week’s Nedbank Challenge but also having missed the cut in both the South African Open and Alfred Dunhill Championship.

Spain’s Jorge Campillo, who had shot a 59 under a ‘preferred lie’ rule on day two, posted a final round 70 to share second place on 13-under par with England’s Matthew Baldwin (68).

Dawie Van Der Walt celebrates his win just as Nelson Mandela would have wished. (Photo – David Lloyd/www.golffile.ie)