Grace seals sweet Nedbank Challenge victory

Bruced

Branden Grace won the European Tour's Nedbank Challenge in South Africa by one stroke over Scott Jamieson thanks to a scintillating final-round 66 on Sunday.

The 29-year-old became the first South African to win the tournament since Trevor Immelman in 2007.

“This is awesome,” he said. “This is the one event that as a South African you want to win. It’s Africa’s Major for a reason and what a special place it is.

“There’s a lot of history and a lot of great winners on the trophy and I’m very glad to be able to put my name on the trophy as well.

“It’s a very special week, we found out on Wednesday we’re having a boy.”

Incredible ball-striking was the key to Grace's win, as he hit every green in regulation in his bogey-free final round, which included six birdies.

Still sharing the lead with playing partners Jamieson and Victor Dubuisson with three holes to play, Grace’s brilliant 40-foot birdie putt on the 16th ultimately saw him clinch victory.

“I had to stay patient and I had to take the chances when they came my way. I missed a couple of short ones but I think the big key was the putt on 16,” Grace said.

Jamieson ultimately had to settle for second place, with Frenchman Dubuisson one shot back. Both men shot a 70 on the final day.

Li Haotong fired a best-of-the-day 64 to grab fourth spot at seven under, one ahead of Martin Kaymer, with Lee Westwood and Matt Fitzpatrick posting matching 69s to finish tied-sixth and tied-eighth respectively.