After 24 top-10 finishes, including three runner-ups, George Coetzee claimed his maiden victory on the European Tour with a three-shot triumph at the Joburg Open.
The 27-year-old South African shot a blemish free final round of 66 to finish three shots ahead of compatriot Justin Walters, South Korea’s Jin Jeong and England’s Tyrrell Hatton. Unfortunately for the 22-year-old Englishman, who graduated from the Challenge Tour last year, a place in the Open Championship would prove elusive, with Walters and Jeong claiming the final two spots to Royal Liverpool courtesy of their superior position in the World Rankings.
Coetzee also booked his ticket to golf’s oldest championship, but it’s his first victory on the European Tour that will dominate the thoughts of this talented alumnus of the University of San Diego.
“I don’t know what I’m feeling,” said Coetzee, who finished 54th on the Race to Dubai last season. “I’m lost for words.
“I’ve been waiting a while and I started doubting, so I’m very happy.
“I got to share this with my family and my friends. It was my mum’s birthday yesterday and I wanted to do it for her as I forgot to buy her a present!”
Despite his failing memory, the proficiency of Coetzee’s game has long been evident. In 2011, he finished 26th on the Race to Dubai, before completing another consistent season at 21st in 2012. He didn’t reach those heights last season, but it has only been a matter of time before he would step inside the winning circle.
In becoming the sixth home winner in this event’s eight-year history, Coetzee continues the remarkable South African dominance of European Tour events in the country. However, as the round began, it looked more likely to be Justin Walters and Thomas Aiken who would be flying the flag for the local spectators, with the two compatriots entering the day two shots clear of the field.
But Coetzee would quickly establish himself on the final day, with four birdies on the front-nine seeing him go out in 33 shots. He would continue that form on the second side, and took the lead after a birdie at the tenth.
The player who competed in all four majors in 2013 would make crucial par saves on the 11th and 12th, before he benefited from a huge slice of luck on the three holes later.
Often an eventual winner requires some good fortune on route to claiming a title, and Coetzee can certainly thank it after seeing his water bound drive on the 15th rebound off a tree back onto the fairway. He would then make the most of it, by making a 20-footer for birdie to take a firm grip of the tournament.
After making three closing pars, Coetzee then had to nervously watch Walters play the 18th hole. The joint-54-hole leader, who retained his card in dramatic and emotional fashion last year in Portugal, required an eagle on the closing par five to force a playoff. But the 33-year-old would find a bunker off the tee, and eventually make a disappointing bogey.
Walters can find some solace in the knowledge that he will make his Open debut in July, while Jin Jeong will return to the Championship where he impressively finished in a tie for 14th as an amateur at St. Andrews in 2010.
Coetzee has also secured his place at the WGC Accenture Matchplay Championship in Tuscon in a fortnight, having claimed a victory that will surely be the first of many on the European Tour.