Austin Bautista produced a superb final-round 62 to clinch his maiden Sunshine Tour title at the Sunbet Challenge hosted by Wild Coast Sun on Friday.
The Australian carded nine birdies and a single bogey to finish on 14 under par, one shot clear of overnight leader Michael Hollick.
“I am ecstatic and super happy to have won this week. It was a hard week but securing the title was definitely worth the wait,” Bautista said.
The 29-year-old joked that his victory came despite less-than-ideal sleeping arrangements.
“The boys I’m staying with gave me the worst bed, actually they put me on the couch. But I walked away with the silverware, so it was worth it in the end.”
Bautista’s form sharpened as the week progressed. After an opening 69, he followed with a 65 in round two before storming through the final day with five birdies in his first eight holes and four more on the back nine.
“The Sunshine Tour is a great tour. We get to come to amazing places. The Wild Coast Sun is a beautiful layout – it’s so challenging,” he added.
Bautista had hinted at a breakthrough this season, posting two top-three finishes and an eighth place earlier in the year.
Hollick closed with a 66 to finish second on 13 under. Samuel Simpson (66), winner of the Mopani Zambia Open in June, and Lyle Rowe (67) shared third at 10 under.
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Photo: Carl Fourie/Sunshine Tour
Article Link: Aussie rules as Bautista bags win in Sunbet Challenge