Els’ 63 edges him past Goosen for fifth title

ERNIE ELS claimed a fifth South African Open title after his final-round six-under-par 63 helped him edge out another former champion, Retief Goosen, by a shot.

Two rounds were played at the Durban Country Club yesterday after rain earlier in the week had washed out almost the entire first day, whilefurther showers in the early hours of yesterday morning delayed play and also made the par-three fourth green unplayable.

It meant that instead of 36 holes, only 34 were played making the par score 69 rather than 72. And three-time major winner Els, who fired a 64 earlier in the day, followed it up with another excellent display as he carded five birdies, an eagle and a bogey to end on 25 under overall.