King Richard wears SA Open crown
2009-01-08
RICHARD STERNE claimed back-to-back victories on the European Tour when he won the South African Open in a play-off at Pearl Valley Golf Estates on Sunday 21 December, amidst one of the most memorable summers in South African golf history. Sterne birdied the first play-off hole to edge out Ireland’s Gareth Maybin for the title. The win came after his triumph in the Alfred Dunhill Championship the previous week, and this was also his third European Tour victory of the year after winning the Joburg Open in January. “The South African Open is so prestigious and the names on this trophy are unbelievable, and to be on there myself has always been a dream and a goal. I’ll have to set new goals now,” said Sterne, who received a bit of inspiration from the South African cricket team in Australia after their victory. “I sent AB (de Villiers - SA batsman) a text message saying ‘Awesome’ and he sent me one back saying ‘Good luck with the SA Open’. This was while I was sitting in the player’s lounge waiting for a play-off, so I don’t know if he knew something,” said Sterne. Sterne made his charge with a final round of 66, arriving on the 18th in regulation play one behind Maybin on 13 under par. Sterne has developed a reputation for pulling off the big shots when he needs to, and he did so again from the greenside bunker on 18 in regulation play. He played out to three feet from the hole and sunk the putt for birdie to set the clubhouse mark at 14 under. “I knew I needed to at least get to 14 under to have a chance. Eighteen was one of the best bunker shots I’ve hit. Fortunately when the big shots are on I’ve put it in the right place. I have no idea why. Luck, maybe. “I’ve been fortunate to always do that throughout my career. I know that when I’m in that position I can pull it off.” Playing behind him, European Tour rookie Maybin had shot into contention with a front nine of two under, but was struggling to make any putts on the back nine. Yet the championship was within his grasp on the 18th as he stood over a five-foot putt for birdie while tied for the lead. Then his putt lipped out to confirm the play-off. While desperate for some time off, Sterne confirmed that he will defend his Joburg Open title when the tour resumes early in January. “I honestly would like some time off now. But I only have 12 days off and then I’m going to play the Joburg Open. I’m just thankful that I’ve won these last two. “I was ranked 109th two weeks ago and knew I had to win two in a row to get back into the top 50, and that was just dream talk then. But here it’s happened.” Ernie Els set the tone for a thrilling final day when he came with a tremendous charge of 64 in which he birdied five out of six holes on the back nine to share third place on 13 under with Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood.
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