Haydn Porteous might’ve had a slow Sunday but left the Betfred British Masters at Hillside Golf Club more than half a million rand richer for his efforts.
The 24-year-old turned in a 73 in the final round to finish nine shots off first-time winner Marcus Kinhult, who broke into the winner’s circle thanks to a birdie-birdie finish coupled with Matt Wallace missing his birdie try on the 72nd hole.
Porteous turned in one under par but a slow back nine – he bogeyed the par 5 11th and difficult par 3 16th – saw him drop 17 places down the leaderboard.
The South African continues to accumulate weekend finishes but has failed to deliver the one low round that would leave him challenging at the top rather than scrambling for euros further down the leaderboard.
Porteous did however add R545 060 as the top Saffa this week with just three countrymen joining him for the final two rounds.
Jaco van Zyl and Dean Burmester finished in the large group sharing 42nd place; a week worth R283 646 for the pair.
Down in 58th place was Richard Sterne, who plummeted down the board after Saturday’s 78; a final round 70 earned him R141 823.
‘I’ve been dreaming about it for such a long time and to finally do it is sort of amazing,’ said Kinhult, who edged defending champion Eddie Pepperell, Robert MacIntyre and Wallace.
‘It was so close all day between us. It was a bit like a match play between us – and then Bob and Eddie played well on the back nine today. They were up there, as well.
‘But it was nice to play with Matt. He’s a great guy and a good competitor. So yeah, it was good fun. This is a very prestigious event and a nice little trophy to have. To get it as my first win is special.’
The Swede earned R9 269 609 as well as extended playing rights.
Event host Tommy Fleetwood, whose presence ensured two days worth of sell out crowds, finished in a share of eighth. Next year’s event will move to Close House in Newcastle with Lee Westwood taking over host duties.
