Dean Burmester is taking the positives after showcasing his talents on the biggest stage at the DP World Tour Championship on Sunday, writes WADE PRETORIUS.
The Zimbabwe-born winner of the Tshwane Open finished two shots behind Spain’s Jon Rahm in the group sharing fourth alongside Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose and compatriot Dylan Frittelli.
The 28-year-old, who made six birdies on Sunday, three-putted the 17th, and then, needing a birdie on the last to put the pressure on playing partner Rahm, saw his aspirations dampened when he found the water going for the green in two.
‘It obviously went really well and it was great to contend in such a big event all the way to the final hole,’ Burmester told Compleat Golfer.
Fortunately for the powerful European Tour rookie, he managed to go on and save par on 18, which helped to soften his failed pursuit of Rahm as he finished R4 649 557 richer for his efforts at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
‘It was good to give Rahm a bit of a push, but ja, I faltered a bit coming in. I played really nicely, but to lose out to Rahm was no real shame. You can see why he’s made the move up into fourth in the world in just his first professional year on tour. He’s exciting to watch and has all the shots, especially under pressure.
‘He’s also a nice guy and it was fun to be out there with him, pushing each other. He’s a great golfer and going to be really, really good for the game.’
Burmester now turns his attention to the Mauritius Open next week before returning to home soil for the Joburg Open at Randpark Golf Club.
‘For me, every tournament is the same. I tee it up and try to win and give everything I’ve got. So there’s no real target for me before the Christmas/New Year break. I’ll enjoy some time off with my family before the SA Open in January, which should be great because of the strong field that’s being lined up.’
Burmester will join fellow T4 finisher from Dubai Dylan Frittelli at the SA Open as the European Tour rookies attempt to hold off Branden Grace and Charl Schwartzel for the title.
Photo: Francois Nel/Getty Images
