Nedbank Golf Challenge: Fleetwood claims the title in play-off

Englishman Tommy Fleetwood beat Swede Marcus Kinhult in a play-off to win his second Rolex Series title at the Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City on Sunday.

Fleetwood started his final round at Gary Player Country Club six shots off the lead but made three eagles as he shot a stunning closing round 65 to set the target at 12-under.

Kinhult was the picture of Swedish consistency during his final round 68. He was on the huny for a second European Tour title of the season after his victory at the Betfred British Masters – where Fleetwood was the host.

Nedbank Golf Challenge decided in a play-off

The Swede’s steady hand gave in somewhat as the play-off began. A poor tee shot on the first hole meant Kinhult had to play out sideways and settle for a bogey, with Fleetwood making an excellent up-and-down to save par and claim US$2.5million (R36.7m) – the biggest winner’s prize in European Tour history.

The triumph at Sun City takes Fleetwood up to second on the Race to Dubai Rankings Presented by Rolex, well in the hunt to be crowned Europe’s Number One for the second time in three seasons at next week’s season finale in Dubai.

Fleetwood’s fifth overall European Tour win is his first since January 2018 and the comes off the back of an incredibly consistent run of form that has seen him make 41 consecutive cuts worldwide.

The Englisman was overwhelmed with emotion after claiming his first win in 22 months and said claiming the trophy was more important to him than the prize.

Money not important to winner

“The money’s not that important,” he said after taking his career earnings beyond the £15m mark.

“I guess being a golfer these days you have the chance to set your family up for life at a young age.

“It’s just really, really cool when you win a tournament. It’s great.”

Fleetwood is thrilled to be in the hunt for a second career Tour title as the Race to Dubai reaches its climax.

“It’s an absolute privilege to get to the last event and to have a chance of winning the race to Dubai,” an emotional Fleetwood added.

“It’s an amazing thing to have in your career and it’s one of the things I’m most proud of.”

Despite battling kidney stones Louis Oosthuizen led the South African challenge in sixth place having led the tournament after the first round.