EAST LONDON, South Africa — British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen won a three-way playoff on the first hole to secure the Africa Open title at the East London Golf Club on Sunday.
The South African, who finished the tournament with a 16-under 276, sank a 12-footer on the 18th to dash the hopes of England’s Chris Wood and Spaniard Manuel Quiros.
It was Oosthuizen’s first victory since the British Open at St. Andrews in July.
“It’s a great way to start the season. This is my first European Tour title in South Africa and I’m quite ecstatic about that,” Oosthuizen said. “I’m looking forward to the whole year, playing half in America and Europe. I’m looking forward to contending on both money lists.”
Defending champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa posted a final-round 70 to finish joint third alongside countryman Jaco van Zyl and Steven O’Hara of Scotland on 15 under.
Oosthuizen struggled with his control off the tee throughout the early going of the final round but managed to find his touch on the 545-yard 15th. A solid — and straight — drive set up an eight-iron on to the green. From there Oosthuizen sank a 15-footer for eagle and a share of the lead.
“I got the line right for once,” Oosthuizen said.
His waywardness off the tee returned on the playoff hole when he hooked his drive left. However, the South African salvaged the hole with an approach shot to within 12 feet.
Quiros’ chip from the fringe for birdie was unsuccessful and Wood’s 25-footer narrowly missed the hole, leaving Oosthuizen to hole out and take the win.
Joint overnight leader Markus Brier of Austria shot a final-round 73 and finished three shots back.