South Africa’s Shaun Norris shot a final round five-under 67 to win the Alfred Dunhill Championship by one shot at Leopard Creek, in Malelane, on Sunday.
The 42-year-old who had not won in over two years on the DP World Tour (DPWT) ended on 13-under, one ahead of up-and-coming 23-year-old South African Ryan van Velzen who was seeking his maiden win on tour. Van Velzen who had a putt to force a playoff on the last, settled for second alongside Swede Marcus Kinhult and England’s John Parry.
Norris reeled off five birdies and an eagle and just one bogey in a stellar final round in which he came from six behind to pull of the win.
The win earned Norris a paycheque of approximately R4.7million.
The moment a very emotional Shaun Norris found out he had claimed his second Tour title 🥹#DunhillChamps pic.twitter.com/4LNQ3fzte1
Nervous wait
Playing well ahead of the final few groups, after Norris finished his round he had a nervous wait to see if his total would hold up.
“I had a number in mind. I thought 14,15 [under] was a good number to get to. And if I can post it early, they needed to chase it down,” said Norris.
“The last four or five holes in the golf course is currently very strong. So, you know, I don't think 13 was strong enough, but somehow it held up.”
It was just a second win on the DPWT for the veteran professional who plays the majority of his golf in Japan.
In fact, Norris won the Golf Nippon Series JT Cup in Japan two weeks ago and following it up with the victory in South Africa would have made the end to his year especially sweet.
“No, words can't describe it. This last year has been very tough,” said Norris.
“It's been up and down and all over the place. But, you know, thanks to God and my family and my wife. Winning two weeks ago in Japan and then winning this week, what a blessing.”