Sipho Bujela claimed a dramatic victory after a four-man play-off ensued on the final day of the Big Easy Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Cub.
Makhetha Mazibuko, Wynand Dingle, Mark Murless and Sipho Bujela ended the day on four-under-par, while overnight leader Calvin Caldeira slumped to a three-over-par 75 to finish one stroke off the leaders.
‘Yeah you know, after the first day shooting 74, which I think was really important in some tough conditions, I was really happy to shoot 66 today. It was bogey-free too which is what I wanted because I’ve been striking the ball really well, especially the irons. I’m just so happy to get the win it’s an amazing feeling,’ Bujela said.
It was Bujela who came out on top as Mazibuko and Dingle were eliminated from the playoff after the first extra hole, carding two pars as Murless and Bujela birdied the par-five 18th on the famed East course. Murless and Bujela ventured down the 18th two more times, with a birdie from Bujela on the third extra hole the decider.
‘When the putt dropped it was amazing. I had a similar putt on the previous playoff hole so I knew the line and I hit true. I can’t really describe the emotions. It’s an amazing feeling and I’m really happy with the win,’ he said.
Holing the winning putt on the third extra playoff hole was greeted with cheers from the crowd, and Bujela said with the win, he looks forward to contending more on tour.
‘I played some really good golf today and I’m really happy with the win. All the departments in my game are looking good and it makes me excited for the year ahead,’ Bujela concluded.
Scores:
140 – Sipho Bujela (RSA) 74 66
140 – Mark Murless (RSA) 73 67, Makhetha Mazibuko (RSA) 71 69, Wynand Dingle (RSA) 68 72
141 – Calvin Caldeira (RSA) 66 75
142 – Stuart Smith (BOT) 73 69, Antonio Rosado (POR) 75 67, Roberto Lupini (RSA) 76 66, Jacques P de Villiers (RSA) 71 71
143 – Jeff Inglis (ENG) 73 70, Divan Gerber (RSA) 72 71, Pieter Moolman (RSA) 76 67
