Scotland’s Calum Hill beats South African pair in play-off to win Joburg Open

Scotland’s Calum Hill defeated home duo Jacques Kruyswijk and Shaun Norris in a play-off to win his second DP World Tour title in the Joburg Open.

A par at the second extra hole at Houghton Golf Club was good enough for victory after Norris pulled his second shot into the water and Kruyswijk three-putted from 30 feet.

The trio had finished tied on 14 under par after Hill, who began the final round eight shots behind Norris, had made the most of a lucky bounce to birdie the 18th and complete a superb closing 62.

Kruyswijk birdied the 17th to join Hill on 14 under and missed a birdie putt to win in regulation on the 18th before playing partner Norris holed from 20 feet to make it a three-way play-off.

After all three men parred the first extra hole, Norris found a fairway bunker on the second and dragged his approach into the water after his right foot slipped in the sand.

That ended his chances and after Hill safely two-putted from the back of the green, Kruyswijk missed his par attempt having charged his birdie putt three feet past the hole.

The exciting finish came just in time as thunder and lightning could be observed overhead, much to Hill’s relief.

“It’s awesome,” the 30-year-old said. “I thought we were having to go again and this is ridiculous [gesturing to the sky]. It was a fantastic day and then [to win] is the cherry on top.

“I got lucky with the bounce off the slope [on the 72nd hole] and made a nice five-footer and then it gave me a chance to have a go in this play-off.

“I think that might be my first play-off ever so it’s nice to have a 1-0 record.”

South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli briefly held the outright lead when he birdied the ninth, 10th and 12th and holed out for his second eagle of the day on the 13th, but bogeyed the 15th and finished a shot outside the play-off.