Branden Grace celebrates special title at Nedbank Golf Challenge
Sunday 12 November 2017 18:57, UK
Branden Grace described victory at the Nedbank Golf Challenge as ‘a dream come true’ after ending his winless run on home soil.
Grace fired a bogey-free 66 at Gary Player CC to claim a one-shot victory over playing partner Scott Jamieson, with one-time leader Victor Dubuisson a further stroke back in third.
The South African began the final round three strokes off the pace, but struck six birdies in an impressive display to secure his first worldwide win since April 2016 and become the tournament's first home winner since 2007.
"This is the one event that as a South African you want to win," Grace said. "It's Africa's Major for a reason and what a special place it is.
"There's a lot of history and a lot of great winners on the trophy and I'm very glad to be able to put my name on the trophy.
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"I told Zack (Rasego, caddie) that if I can get it bogey-free we're going to be in there with a chance - we managed to do that.
"I hit the ball superb and gave myself some chances. I didn't take all of them, but I did what I needed to do. It was great to finish the way I did and it was great to be able to pull it off."
Grace began the week 34th in the Race to Dubai standings but has jumped 25 places to ninth spot, with the top 10 after next week's season-ending DP World Tour Championship getting a share of the Bonus Pool.
"It's special to win here, firstly, and then special to win one of The Final Series events," Grace added.
"I had to stay patient and I had to take the chances when they came my way. I missed a couple of short ones but I think the big key was the putt on 16."
Watch the DP World Tour Championship throughout the week live on Sky Sports Golf. Live coverage begins on Wednesday with the live preview show from 11am.
