Dylan Naidoo won the Investec South African Open Championship in a play-off against Laurie Canter after the final round was canceled due to flooding. This victory marks Naidoo’s first on the DP World Tour and grants him entry to The Open. Meanwhile, Canter now leads the Race to Dubai Rankings, with other notable finishes in the tournament coming from Marco Penge and South African golfers.
In the aftermath of significant flooding at Durban Country Club, the final round of the Investec South African Open Championship was canceled, leading to a play-off between England’s Laurie Canter and South Africa’s Dylan Naidoo, both tied at 14-under-par 202 after three rounds. Naidoo emerged victorious, securing his first DP World Tour title on home soil. The torrential rains had rendered parts of the course unplayable, prompting officials to abandon the final round.
Naidoo expressed his exhilaration following the victory, stating, “It feels like a dream, it is overwhelming.” Notably, he likened the support he received from the crowd to that of Tiger Woods, illustrating the significance of the moment. During the decisive play-off on the par-four 18th, both competitors faced challenges on the course; however, Naidoo executed a superior second shot, ultimately sinking a short putt to clinch the title.
With this triumph, Dylan Naidoo not only claimed the championship title but also secured a spot at The Open championship at Royal Portrush later this year. Conversely, Laurie Canter, as the runner-up, now holds the lead in the Race to Dubai Rankings and continues to top the International Swing standings with one event remaining. English golfer Marco Penge finished third, while South African players Darren Fichardt, Branden Grace, and amateur Christiaan Maas rounded out the top five, all concluding the tournament at 12-under-par.
The Investec South African Open Championship concluded with dramatic play-off action between Laurie Canter and Dylan Naidoo after adverse weather conditions led to the cancellation of the final round. Naidoo’s victory marks his first on the DP World Tour, earning him a place in a prestigious upcoming tournament. Canter’s performance, despite the loss, highlights his strong standing in the ongoing Race to Dubai Rankings.
Original Source: www.skysports.com
