Louis Oosthuizen defends Africa Open crown
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Louis Oosthuizen retained his Africa Open title in East London, beating fellow South African Tjaart van der Walt by two strokes.
Oosthuizen, who shot an 11-under par 62 earlier in the week, secured victory with a birdie at the 17th after Van der Walt bogeyed, finishing on 27-under-par.
In a field dominated by home-nation players, Scotland’s Alastair Forsyth was the top non-South African, finishing in fifth place, five shots off the lead.
Another home favourite, double US Open champion Retief Goosen, finished third. Englishman Danny Willet had a disappointing final day, shooting a level-par 73 to finish seventh.
It was a more comfortable victory for Oosthuizen than last year’s title, which he won after a three-way play-off.
“The 17th was playing really tough today with the wind blowing off the right,” Oosthuizen said.
“When Tjaart hit it short I aimed for the middle of the green. I had been leaving my putts short all day but I hit it firmly and it rolled really nicely.”
The 2010 Open Champion also becomes the early leader in the 2012 Race to Dubai. Next week’s European Tour event is the Joburg Open where Charl Schwartzel will be defending.
