Bezuidenhout claims Sanlam Cape Province Open
Christiaan Bezuidenhout lived up to his number one amateur billing when he claimed his second title this season in convincing style at the Sanlam Cape Province Open in George on Sunday.
The Ekurhuleni golfer held off reigning Sanlam SA Amateur, Thriston Lawrence, with a final round 68 for three stroke victory on 14-under-par 274.
“I’m really pleased with this victory,” the Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation player said.
“The scores might make it look like it was an easy win, but it was by no means easy. Thriston is a tough opponent, and if he didn’t stumble after the turn, it could turned into a real battle.
“But I’m really pleased with this result. I love this course and it’s especially satisfying to win at the coast.”
Bezuidenhout was three off the pace after an opening 70 at Kingswood Country Club.
He overcame the sluggish start with a superb second round 66 at George Golf Club to join first round leader, Zander Lombard, in the lead at the halfway mark.
The 19-year-old Nigel golfer continued his love affair with George Golf Club on Sunday when he reeled in four birdies against two bogeys for a 70 and a two shot lead over Lombard, who carded an even-par 72.
Heading into the final round, Lawrence and Ekurhuleni’s Paul Boshoff was a further stroke back after carding respective rounds of 70 and 68.
Meanwhile Gerlou Roux from Western Province joined the top five at six under with a 71, alongside Gregory Royston from KwaZulu-Natal, who signed for a 69.
Bezuidenhout cancelled a birdie at the first with a bogey at the third, but picked up his second birdie at the seventh to stay clear of the field.
In the meantime, Lawrence launched a spirited challenge with a pair of birdies at the first and second, and another brace of birdies at the ninth and 10th holes, but had his run derailed by double bogey at the par-five 11th.
All Bezuidenhout was left to do, was clean up with pars and bide his time until he sealed his victory with birdies at the 13th, 15th and 16th.
Lawrence matched the winner’s 68 to finish in second on 277, three shots ahead of Roux and four ahead of Boshoff. Roux closed with a 70 and Boshoff returned a 72.
FINAL RESULT (Top 10)
274 – Christiaan Bezuidenhout (70, 66, 70, 68)
277 – Thriston Lawrence (69, 70, 70, 68)
280 – Gerlou Roux (68, 71, 71, 70)
281 – Paul Boshoff (72, 69, 68, 72)
282 – Andy Dill (72, 74, 65, 71), Nicholas Mitchell (72, 69, 72, 69), Gregory Royston (69, 72, 69, 72), Zander Lombard (67, 69, 72, 74)
286 – Sean Bradley (80, 71, 68, 67)
287 – Siegmund Human (69, 72, 75, 71)