Ernie Els Wins His Fourth South African Airways Open

Ernie Els views the South African Airways Open like a Major and that’s probably why he put so much into his final round of 65 to win by three strokes from fellow countryman Trevor Immelman. This was a marvellous effort considering the conditions were blustery on the final day at the Humewood Golf Club in Port Elizabeth, South Africa (always consistently ranked as one of the top ten courses in South Africa.)

This fourth SAA Open win means Els has won at least one tournament every year since 1992, with 62 in total. Additionally, the world number eight, has now won twice since his knee surgery back in 2005.

Third place went to Patrik Sjoland of Sweden on a score of 20 under, with South African Darren Fichardt in fourth place on 16 under. Sjoland will have enjoyed this result having had to qualify at the 2006 European Tour Qualifying School Final in tied 11th place.

My tip for the top Oliver Fisher put in another sound performance, especially after a poor opening round, finishing in tied 40th on 6 under with rounds of 77, 67, 65 and 73. Though knowing how competitive is I’m sure he will be eager to land a top ten performance soon and catapult up from his current ranking of 132nd on the European Tour Order of Merit.

The European Tour now takes a break for Christmas resuming on the 11th January at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club in South Africa for the Joburg Open with a total prize fund of one million euros.


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