Simpson holds his nerve to claim third Sunshine Tour title

Photo Credit:  Shaun Roy / Sunshine Tour.

DURBAN, KWAZULU NATAL

Prescience Media: Samuel Simpson produced a composed final round to claim his third Sunshine Tour title of the season, winning the Sunbet Challenge hosted by Sun Sibaya at The Woods at Mount Edgecombe on Friday.

The Courier Guy Order of Merit leader started the final round two shots behind the leaders but quickly erased the deficit with back to back birdies. Three more birdies followed as Simpson posted a closing 65 to finish on 13 under par, one stroke clear of Graham van der Merwe, Rowan Lester and Pieter Moolman.

Van der Merwe, who had led the tournament after the opening two rounds, remained in contention until the final hole. He was tied with Simpson after 17 holes but a bogey at the last dropped him into a share of second.

For Simpson, the victory adds to a season that has already established him as one of the Sunshine Tour’s leading performers. His latest success is his third title of the campaign and further strengthens his position at the top of the Order of Merit.

Lester shared second place with Van der Merwe and Moolman to record his best result on the Sunshine Tour. The Irishman also secured his first top 10 finish on the circuit.

“I love it down here. The weather is amazing, the food is good and I am playing a lot of golf, so I can’t complain,” said Lester.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been in contention, but I felt like I handled myself well today, so I am quite pleased.”

Simpson was supported by caddie Muzi West Hlope, who received the Sunshine Tour caddie medallion for his role in the victory.

The win continues Simpson’s strong association with winning golf and comes after his recent success at the Mediclinic Invitational.

The Sunshine Tour now moves to Rwanda for the inaugural Rwanda Open, which will be played in Kigali from 24 to 27 September.

Scores

197 - Samuel Simpson 65 67 65
198 - Rowan Lester 70 65 63
198 - Pieter Moolman 66 65 67, Graham van der Merwe 63 67 68
199 - Nikhil Rama 67 64 68
200 - Jason Roets 69 64 67