February 16th 2014, East London, South Africa: Thomas Aiken overcame Oliver Fisher in a play-off to secure victory in the Africa Open and cap a fine run of form.
The South African secured his third European Tour title and first on home soil with a 30 foot birdie putt on the first extra hole at East London Golf Club.
An eagle from 12 feet at the third had been the highlight of Aiken’s 67, as he and Fisher spent much of the afternoon neck-and-neck.
The Englishman had started with a bogey after missing the opening green, but responded with five gains amidst two further dropped shots and would have won had his birdie effort from 15 feet at the last dropped rather than burn the edge of the hole.
“I’ve been waiting for this for quite some time; I’ve won a couple of times overseas, but there is nothing like winning in front of a home crowd,” said Aiken, who finished fifth in his last two events and has already recorded six top-20 finishes on the 2014 Race to Dubai.
“The South African fans have been unbelievable throughout my whole career so it’s nice to finally get one for you guys.”
Aiken had wife Kate on the bag for the first time, and added: “Thanks so much to my wife, who helped me on the bag for the first time – we might have to do it again!
“East London Golf Club, what a fantastic golf club. It shows that a course doesn’t need to be long for it to play interestingly.
“I always love coming back here, and it’s so great to finally get this trophy under my belt.”
Aiken joins compatriots Charl Schwartzel, Louis Oosthuizen (twice) and Darren Fichardt in lifting the trophy, which has yet to be prized from South African hands.
England's David Horsey birdied four of his last six holes to shoot a final round of 65 and claim a share of third place on 19 under alongside American John Hahn.
Overnight leader Emiliano Grillo was in a four strong group a shot further back after gains at the last five holes repaired some of the damage of a quintuple-bogey nine on the opening hole.
Grillo held a two shot lead thanks to a brilliant 62 on Saturday, yet the 21 year old Argentinian had already taken a penalty drop from an unplayable lie when he chipped his fourth shot into a greenside bunker, from where he needed two attempts to escape.
But his sixth shot had rolled back off the green and, after chipping up to seven feet, he needed two putts to complete an extraordinary opening hole and drop his first stroke since his 15th hole on Thursday.
Scottie Scheffler entered the final day of The Masters with a one-shot lead, maintaining his position at the top throughout a tense Sunday. Despite several players threatening his lead, Read More
Scottie Scheffler emerged as the commanding figure at Augusta National, channeling a performance reminiscent of Tiger Woods at his peak. His one-under 71 in the third round propelled him to seven under Read More
The top spot at The Masters is currently shared by Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and Max Homa, all sitting at six under par. Despite challenging conditions at Augusta National, Scheffler mainta Read More
Bryson DeChambeau took charge on day one at The Masters, leading the pack with a remarkable 65 amidst challenging weather conditions. Despite gusty winds and morning storms causing a delay of two and a Read More
Masters week is here, running from April 11th to April 14th at Augusta National Golf Course. It's the ultimate thrill for fans, whether you're a casual viewer, diehard fan, or bettor. Read More
In the latest golfing events, young talents shone brightly at the OPTIMAS JAGA INTERNATIONAL SERIES inaugural event held at Al Ain Golf Course. Read More
A financial report says Rory McIlroy might soon sign a big deal worth $850 million with LIV Golf. This would be a big change because Rory used to strongly oppose LIV Golf.
Read More