Goosen triumphant on home turf

Retief Goosen held off a determined challenge from compatriot Ernie Els to win the South African Airways Open at Fancourt.

Els looked to have blown his chances of back-to-back victories on home soil when he double-bogeyed the 12th after pulling his second shot into a water hazard.

The South African stormed back with a hat-trick of birdies from the 14th to draw level with playing partner Goosen once more.

But overnight leader Goosen chipped in for birdie on the 17th to edge clear once more and also birdied the last from through the green after Els missed from four feet for eagle to force a play-off.

Goosen’s final-round 70 gave him a 10-under-par total of 282, while Els’ 68 was one of the lowest rounds of the week on a hugely testing Links course.

Darren Fichardt and France’s Gregory Bourdy shared third place on two under par, the only other players in red figures.

Goosen said: “Ernie played very well and I got away with it at the end there. It’s great to win this trophy again, the last time was 10 years ago so it’s great to get my hands on it again.”