South Africa’s Shaun Norris was overcome with emotion after claiming a thrilling one-stroke victory in the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek on Sunday.
Norris had earlier made a strong charge through the field, sparked by an eagle on the 2nd hole, and closed with a 67 to lead in the clubhouse on 13 under par and tied with several players.
But it ended up being only South Africa’s Ryan van Velzen who had a realistic chance of catching him as he teed off the 18th tied for the lead.
As Norris warmed up on the driving range for a possible playoff, Van Velzen hit his approach into the water surrounding the treacherous 18th green and went on to make bogey.
“Unbelievable,” said Norris after claiming his second DP World Tour title. “Words can’t describe the feelings going through me at the moment. I’m over the moon.
“I only knew I’d shot 67 after I made the last putt. I was so stuck in my head focusing on every shot and doing what I needed to do. At the end of the day it worked out nicely.”
Van Velzen closed with a 72 to share second place with England’s John Parry (69) and Sweden’s Marcus Kinhult (74) on 12 under par.
Before teeing off on Sunday, Norris had told his brother and caddie Kyle that if they could be under par through the first five holes, they may stand a chance. And it was an eagle on the par-five 2nd that gave him that chance.
“That eagle was key. It’s massive to get off to a good start and put yourself in a nice rhythm,” he said.
A composed back nine featuring three birdies further strengthened his chances as he was the only player amongst the top four on the leaderboard who didn’t make a bogey on the back nine.
Norris was also overjoyed to win at a Leopard Creek course that holds a special place in every South African golfer’s heart.
“This title means everything to me. To win here at Leopard Creek, which is always in spectacular condition and where we’ve had such good champions such as Ernie Els, Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen – to now put my name on this trophy is a blessing.
“This changes a few things for me. I’ve got so much to look forward to over the next few years. But now it’s time for a holiday.”
Photo: Sunshine Tour
