What we learned from the final round of the BMW South African Open at Glendower Golf Club, according to WADE PRETORIUS.
A worthy winner
Chris Paisley was almost certainly not the winner the majority of fans wanted today but by the end of the round, he was definitely a worthy one. It was most enjoyable watching him in action as he went around the course almost in fourth gear – at least that’s the way it looked. For a player on the fast track to becoming a journeyman, Paisley made good on his potential by holding off Branden Grace – no easy feat on foreign soil. His save on the first was probably the defining moment after seeing his approach from the fairway bunker land over the back. A bogey there would’ve had him on the ropes but he drew massive confidence – alternatively Grace would’ve realized he was in for a fight – from that putt and never looked back. The gallery, biased for the majority of the round, slowly began to come to terms with Paisley’s ruthless efficiency and no one left the course thinking anyone but the right person was crowned champion.
He’ll be back
Ernie Els is doing a fantastic job as host of the SA Open. Last year, he got Rory McIlroy to play and this year he roped in Branden Grace and Charl Schwartzel. Both continue as local stars without their name on the trophy. In a golf world where money talks and schedules are tight, it was pleasing to hear Grace’s post-round comments that he will be back to get his name on the trophy. All the leading players were consummate pros this week, at least from my vantage point anyway, as they did their utmost to entertain the many requests for photos, autographs and the like. The 2018 SA Open may not have had a local winner but the crowds left fulfilled thanks to their idols playing their part.
Take a bow
As alluded to above, the local crowds were desperate for a local winner to walk away with the title. All week they followed Branden Grace, Charl Schwartzel, Retief Goosen and the like, cheering them on and always demanding more. The galleries were packed as they followed Grace and England’s Chris Paisley with the South African getting the crowd in the game with his fast start. Paisley was eager to silence the locals and managed to do that with some fine play from tee to green. As the final pairing headed for the stretch, the locals applauded both players and when it became clear that Paisley was not to be overtaken, they warmed up to him and roared him home so much so that Paisley rated the reception on 18 as one of the best feelings of his entire life.
Moment of the day:
