A windy final round and a two-hole playoff went Jacques Kruyswijk’s way as he won the Vodacom Origins of Golf at Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate on Sunday.
In the tough conditions of a strong wind sweeping through the winelands, Kruyswijk beat George Coetzee with a par on the second hole of their playoff to claim the fourth Sunshine Tour title of his career. It was also the first of his victories his mother was able to witness in person.
“It’s always special to win. Cape Town has always been good to me, and it was nice to come out on top this week,” he said.
Kruyswijk led by two shots going into the final round but he and Coetzee were tied as they headed into a difficult back nine. Kruyswijk was one ahead playing the par-four 18th straight into the wind, and he made double-bogey while Coetzee bogeyed the hole for them to finish regulation play tied on 10 under par with rounds of 73 and 71 respectively.
Both parred the 18th as the first playoff hole, before Kruyswijk took the title.
“I was fresh off a double-bogey going into the playoff, which is never great. It felt like I threw it away there, but that last hole was playing ridiculously tough.
“I pulled myself together on the tee-off and knew I still had a chance. I kept a strong mindset.
“I was hoping to bank on my experience today and I think it showed quite a lot on certain holes.
“Kudos to George. What a great battle out there. His experience also showed. But man, I’m happy to come out on top this week.”
The victory is Kruyswijk’s second on the Vodacom Origins of Golf series.
Gabrielle Venter finished as the leading Sunshine Ladies Tour professional on four over par with a final round of 77.
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Photo: Tyrone Winfield
Article Link: Kruyswijk wins Vodacom Origins at Devonvale