Sullivan Wins South African Open


While 54-hole leader Charl Schwartzel faltered with a 2-over 74, England's Andy Sullivan fired a 5-under 67 to tie the 2011 Masters' champion after 72 holes at Glendower Golf Club near Johannesburg.

Deadlocked at 11-under 277, the players went back to the par-4 18th, where Sullivan hit a tough approach through trees to 12 feet and sank the birdie putt to win the European Tour event.

Sullivan carded four birdies, an eagle on the par-4 12th and a lone bogey to match Schwartzel, a local favorite who began the final round with a five-stroke edge over the field.

Sullivan began the day trailing by seven. But Schwartzel couldn't get untracked on Sunday, posting three birdies, three bogeys and a double on the par-4 16th hole.

For Sullivan, the conclusion was exhilarating. "It's unbelievable," the 27-year-old told the European Tour's website. "After Saturday I didn't think I stood much of a chance with Charl getting ahead that far.

"I just dug in there yesterday and today and found myself in a position where I had a chance to win. My caddie said over the last few holes 'no regrets' and I've definitely got no regrets over the last few holes, especially that play-off hole.

"Charl has won major championships; my caddie said 'expect him to hole' (his third shot) and he nearly did. I was delighted just to hit the green and have a chance to win and I'm just glad I took it.

"I didn't want to give him a second chance to take the title away from me so I am absolutely delighted and I hope the guys at Nuneaton Golf Club are having a few beers for me!

"To just play on the European Tour is something I've wanted to do my whole life, so to win an event just caps it all off and to do it in South Africa where I have always enjoyed playing, it has just been an incredible week."

The victory, Sullivan's first on the European circuit, makes him only the second Englishman to win the South African Open, following Tommy Horton in 1970.

Lee Slattery of England closed with a 69 to take third at 10-under 278.

For all the scores, visit http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2015/tournamentid=2015000/leaderboard/index.html.