Oosthuizen retains Champions crown in Durban
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Louis Oosthuizen successfully defended his Volvo Golf Champions crown in Durban with a one-shot victory over compatriot Branden Grace.
It is the fourth year in succession the South African has begun the year with a victory on home soil. The 2010 Open Champion made birdies on the final two holes to beat Grace, having bogeyed the 16th.
“After my tee shot on 16 I was lucky that I could chip it out and nearly made a great par,” Oosthuizen said. “But when I stood over the ball on 17 I saw that Branden had made birdie on 18 so I knew that second shot was crucial to give myself a good opportunity and I hit it really close.
“And then 18, everyone thinks you just need to make a birdie but around that green it’s not easy and luckily I was far enough past where I could pitch it back into the grain and get it close.
“It was nerve-wracking through the round but I finished strong and I’m just happy that I got it done. It’s an awesome start for the year. Confidence-wise it’s great.
“I haven’t really played well last year with all the injuries so hopefully I can build from here on and just go better next time.”
England’s Tommy Fleetwood entered the final round in the lead but fired a final round of level par to finish in a tie for third with Joost Luiten.