Birdie blitz gives Burmester first European win
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| File photo of Dean Burmester of South Africa during the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai, China on Oct 27, 2016. (JOHANNES EISELE/AFP) |
One stroke behind entering the final round, the Zimbabwe-born golfer began with three birdies in a six-birdie front nine at Pretoria Country Club to take a lead he never surrendered.
He turned in six-under 29 and was six shots ahead before three bogeys on the back nine trimmed the 27-year-old's winning margin as he closed with a 65.
Spaniard Jorge Campillo (68) and Finn Mikko Korhonen (67) shared second place on 269 with American Peter Uihlein (66) one shot further back.
"This is an amazing day for me," Burmester said after receiving the trophy. "I am almost lost for words after my success.
"I have come close to winning on the European Tour several times and it is a wonderful feeling to get over the finish line at last.
"European Tour winner Dean Burmester -- that sounds just great.
"I remained calm throughout the final 18 holes and did not realise I was well in front until close to the end when my caddie updated me on the scores.
"As a Zimbabwe boy I also want to thank South Africa for adopting and looking after me."
Born in Mutare in Zimbabwe, Burmester became a South African citizen when he moved to the neighbouring country.
Swede Alexander Bjork and Scott Jamieson of Scotland, the overnight leaders, quickly fell by the wayside as Burmester took charge of the final round.
Bjork closed with a level-par 71 for fifth place while the 78 of Jamieson included three double bogeys.
Although he finished well down the field, few golfers left Pretoria happier than 2008 US Masters champion Trevor Immelman of South Africa.
Having failed to make a tournament cut since last May, his fortunes took a turn for the better this week.
Rounds of 71 and 70 got him into the final two rounds and a pair of 69s will offer encouragement for the rest of the season.
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