Andy Sullivan wins SA Open

Andy Sullivan snatched The South African Open Championship hosted by the City of Ekurhuleni from Charl Schwartzel after a dramatic play-off. Sullivan fired a remarkable approach from the trees to 12 feet at the first extra hole and sank the putt to secure his first European Tour win. Schwartzel took a five shot lead into the final round at Glendower Golf Club and, despite an error-strewn display, still led by four with five holes to play.

However, the former Masters Tournament champion then failed to get up and down from a plugged lie in a greenside bunker on the 14th and three-putted the 16th to run up a double bogey six, before a poor tee shot on the 17th led to another bogey and left him tied with Sullivan on 11 under par.

The players returned to the 18th for a sudden-death play-off and, after both had missed the fairway, Sullivan produced a stunning recovery for a winning birdie.

Sullivan, who held a one-shot lead at the halfway stage but bogeyed the first four holes as playing partner Schwartzel birdied them, started the day seven shots off the lead but carded four birdies, a chip-in eagle and one bogey in a closing 67.

The 27 year old perhaps thought his chance had gone when he left a long birdie putt on the 18th a few inches short, but Schwartzel’s shaky finish led to a 74 and ensured extra holes were required.

“It’s unbelievable,” Sullivan said during the trophy presentation. “After Saturday I didn’t think I stood much of a chance with Charl getting ahead that far. I just dug in there yesterday and today and found myself in a position where I had a chance to win. My caddie said over the last few holes ‘no regrets’ and I’ve definitely got no regrets over the last few holes, especially that play-off hole.”