Louis Oosthuizen secured the first win of his home Open in breathtaking fashion after cruising to a six-shot victory at the South African Open hosted by the City of Johannesburg to move to third in the early stages of the European Tour’s Race to Dubai.
The South African, whose last victory came at the ISPS Handa Perth International in 2016, entered the final day at Randpark Golf Club with a three shot-lead and while he saw that cut to one after just three holes, he recovered superbly to sign for a 67 and get to 18 under par, six shots clear of Qualifying School graduate Romain Langasque.
“Congratulations to Louis on a phenomenal display on home soil,” said Nick Tarratt, Director, European Tour International Dubai Office. “Louis joins a long list of South African greats to lift the trophy including Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Gary Player. We wish him the best of luck for the rest of the season and hope to see him back at Jumeirah Golf Estates for the 2019 DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.”
The 36 year old 2010 Open Championship winner has now won nine European Tour titles with five of those coming on home soil at the Africa Open (twice), Volvo Golf Champions (twice) and now the South African Open. With his triumph in the band one tournament, Oosthuizen receives 335 Race to Dubai points which leaves him in third place in the Race to Dubai Rankings after his first event of the season.
“I knew today was either going to be very special or heartbreaking. I know there’s only a few that have won The Open and the SA Open so I’m very chuffed to have my name on this,” said Oosthuizen.
“We had a tough start today and my caddie just told me, ‘you’re swinging it well, just go for it’. I just got back to basics, to try and hit fairways and greens. I know I’m putting well; I just needed to give myself putting opportunities for birdie. This feels very special. This is perfect.”
Langasque, who finished fourth at the recent Ras Al Khaimah Challenge Tour Grand Final to leave him 19th on the Road to Ras Al Khaimah before sealing his playing privileges a week later at Qualifying School, secured second spot with an impressive five under par 66 in the final round. The Frenchman jumps from 62nd to fifth on the Rankings with 243 points and also sealed his spot in the 2019 Open Championship.
.@theopen here we come…😁
Fantastic week here @randparkgolfclub, T3, best result since 2014 = a very happy man & a very happy @maxbill91
Now onto Leopard Creek, my favourite place in Golf to finish the year. pic.twitter.com/uF3LFZlxpG
— Oliver Wilson (@Oliver_Wilson) December 9, 2018
Joining Langasque at Royal Portrush Golf Club next year will be Oliver Wilson and Charl Schwartzel who finished two further back to take a share of third place. Both men receive 94.8 points which leaves them tied 13th in the Race to Dubai.
