Branden Grace is once again in the top 10 in the world after sharing 10th at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational this weekend.
The new world number 10 backed up a tied-fifth result at the US Open with another gutsy performance, courtesy of a final-round 68 at a challenging Firestone Country Club. His round was primarily thanks to a flawless front nine made up of three birdies. He, unfortunately, concluded with a sketchy last four holes that included two bogeys and a birdie as he finished six shots behind winner Dustin Johnson.
Charl Schwartzel also had a good week thanks to a Saturday round of 67 that saw him climb into contention for the title. A final-round 70, however, meant that the 31-year-old settled for seventh place. He collected two birdies and two bogeys on Sunday and failed to challenge for the trophy.
George Coetzee shot a final-round 69 to climb five spots on the final day and end in a tie for 21st position. The 29-year-old’s last 18 included three bogeys and four birdies, which allowed the Pretoria resident to break par for the first time during the week.
Compleat Golfer’s playing editor Louis Oosthuizen played the weekend in four-under-par as he recovered from a second-round 76 to end alongside Coetzee. The world number 14’s Saturday 67 included five birdies on the back nine, which meant he carried confidence into the final round. He started the last round with three birdies on his outward loop, but dropped two shots before he rolled in a birdie at the 13th and a bogey at the 14th to conclude his round of 69.
All four South African golfers will take positives away from Firestone Country Club as they look to the challenge that Royal Troon has to offer in the 145th Open Championship, which begins July 10th.
