Burmester wins Joburg Open after flawless 64

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) -- South African Dean Burmester claimed his third European Tour title after a three-shot victory in the Joburg Open in Johannesburg on Sunday, Nov. 26.

His last success was in the Tenerife Open two years ago and the 34-year-old also won the 2017 Tshwane Open.

Trailing compatriot Thriston Lawrence by three shots entering the final round in 31 degree Celsius (88 Fahrenheit) heat, Burmester triumphed thanks to a flawless six-birdie 64 over the par-70 track.

Burmester birdied two holes on the front nine and four on the back to finish on 262, three strokes ahead of fellow South African Darren Fichardt, who also carded a final-round 64.

Don Bradbury from England also fired a 64 to came third and be the best foreigner in a leaderboard which had eight South Africans among the top 11.

Lawrence, a four-time European circuit winner, saw his lead disappear after a disastrous front nine, which included a double bogey and two bogeys.

Another double bogey on the second nine sealed his fate and he carded a five-over 75 to share seventh place with Malaysian Gavin Green.

The South African leg of the European Tour continues on Thursday with the first round of the South African Open.