Darren Fichardt made the finish closer than he envisaged but he held on to seal a fourth European Tour title at the Africa Open and ensure the trophy remained in South African hands for another year.
The 37 year old began the final round tied at the top of the leaderboard and Fichardt (FJ Sport™ style #53255 and StaSof®) pulled four shots clear around the turn. However, three bogeys in four holes left the door open but the South African steadied the ship and Fichardt’s one under par 71 and 16 under total gave him a two shot victory over France’s Grégory Bourdy.
Bourdy (FJ ICON) briefly threatened to challenge when he sunk a 25 foot eagle putt at the third, but two bogeys and eight pars in his next ten holes ended his title hopes.
“I started losing focus,” admitted Fichardt after lifting the trophy. “I was four shots ahead and I started taking it for granted.
The South African further added "I always enjoy coming here, and obviously winning the tournament makes the week especially enjoyable.”
It was a fruitful weekend for FootJoy not only because ten out of the top eleven wore FJ shoes but over the pond John Merrick (FJ ICON style #52163, StaSof glove) defeated Charlie Beljan (FJ ICON style #52054) on the second hole of an all-FJ sudden death playoff to win the Northern Trust Open.
The local favourite claimed his first PGA title at the Riviera Country Club with a solid par at the second extra hole, the driveable par-four 10th after closing with a two-under 69.
"Growing up here in LA, I just wanted to come to this tournament," Merrick, who was born in Long Beach, said after booking a place at this year's Masters. "Now to win it, this is a dream come true."
While on the Ladies European Tour - JiYai Shin made it a clean sweep for FootJoy this weekend by winning the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open finishing on 18 under – two clear of her nearest competitor.
Shin stamped her authority on the championship when she hit a perfectly executed lob wedge chip shot into the 14th hole from thick rough and she said the pressure that was mounting, made it one of her best shots of her career to date.
Shin who is once again a force in women’s golf after recovering from hand surgery last year closed with a final round 72 to take the title.
It was a fantastic weekend's golf and provides the perfect platform for this week's WGC event - The Accenture Match Play Championship at the Ritz-Carlton GC, which starts this Wednesday 20th February.
FJ Wins, You Win: Click here for a chance to win a pair of FJ Sport golf shoes and a StaSof glove, just like Darren Fichardt used enroute to his 2013 Africa Open victory.
No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited, Open to UK & Ireland residents 18 years or older, FJ Wins, You Win offered from 9.01am on 18th February 2013 to 11.59 on 21st February 2013.