Rose wilts in desert heat

Dream come true for home favourite

Last updated: 4th December 2007

trevor immelman

Immelman: One-shot win

Nedbank Golf Challenge
Final round leaders
SA unless stated
-16 T Immelman
-15 J Rose (Eng)
-11 E Els
-7 H Stenson (Swe)
-6 R Sabbatini

Also see

England's Justin Rose blew his chance to win the Nedbank Golf Challenge in Sun City, losing out to Trevor Immelman after running up a double bogey six at the last.

Rose led by a shot on the final tee from his playing partner Immelman after the pair had started the day with a three-shot lead over Ernie Els, which they soon stretched out of sight.

But Rose hooked his tee-shot into deep rough at the 18th and had to lay up short of the water in front of the green before "airmailing" his third over the green into the grandstand.

He was allowed to drop out under penalty but ended up missing a 12-foot bogey putt and taking six.

Home favourite Immelman found the fairway with his drive and then hit a seven-iron into the fringe just over the back of the green.

Fluffed

He fluffed his first chip before hitting the next chip two feet past the hole. He sunk that putt for victory and the 1.2-million dollar first prize.

Immelman shot a 72 for a 16-under-par aggregate of 272, with Rose signing for a 73 and 273.

South Africa's Ernie Els was third after a 72, five shots back and Swede Henrik Stenson fourth on 279, also closing with a 72.

Dream

"I've always been very determined to be a world class golfer and winning the World Cup for South Africa was one highlight, and outplaying Tiger Woods to win the Western Open on the PGA Tour last year was another," said Immelman.

"But this event is what we in South Africa have always regarded as Africa's Major. Ever since I was a kid I've watched it on television. I dreamed of playing it one day, and then I dreamed of winning it.

"Today that dream has come true and it is a very special moment for me."