Local Lad Richard Sterne Wins South African Open

South African golfer Richard Sterne has today won the South African Open in a playoff against Gareth Maybin of Northern Ireland.

The Pearl Valley golf course had been home to the championship that had showcased some big names and some stunning golf, which left the two men at the top of the leader board on fourteen under par.

Sterne shot his way to the title with a 66 round on the final day including six birdies; however this led to a play off.

 On the first playoff hole, Maybin hit his tee shot straight into the bunker, while the South African took the initiative a got a birdie securing the championship.

"I had a bad back on Friday but kept going, this is one I've always wanted win," said South Africa's Sterne.

Englishman Lee Westwood was the overnight leader, however, on the final day he shot a one over par round of seventy three leaving him in a tie for third.

Sterne’s compatriot Ernie Els shot an incredible 64 on the final day to give him an opportunity at the title, however he fell just short, joining Lee Westwood in third.

This victory was the South African’s third European Tour championship of 2008 and the fifth of his career.

On winning the championship he had this to say:

"There are a lot of emotions going through me right now as it means so much to me," said Sterne.

"I was pretty confident playing the first again because I'd birdied it twice before so I had a good feeling for it."

I hope this is the start of Sterne making an impact in the majors and on the world stage as in his short career so far he has shown signs of a great player in the making.  Having recently turned 27, and only been in a handful of major tournaments, I believe we will see more of him in the next few years. 

I also see him winning a few more European Tour events in the 2009 season.