Dean Burmester overhauls faltering Thirston Lawrence to win Joburg Open

Burmester began the day three shots off the pace but took the lead with the first of his six birdies on the fifth as Lawrence made a nightmare start at Houghton Golf Club.

Lawrence ran up a double bogey on the second and dropped shots on the third and fifth on his way to a final round of 75, which dropped him into a tie for seventh.

Burmester’s bogey-free 64 saw him finish on 18 under par, three shots ahead of compatriot Darren Fichardt, with defending champion Dan Bradbury another two strokes behind.

Fichardt and Bradbury also shot 64 to join Burmester in securing the three places available in next year’s Open Championship at Royal Troon.

“We recently bought a house in Florida and were busy moving so there wasn’t much time to prepare for this event,” Burmester, who plays mainly on the LIV Golf circuit, said.

“But when I landed here I did some great preparation in the practice rounds and that set the tone for me. I felt comfortable on the golf course.

“It sounds pretty cool to be the Joburg Open champion. I’ve been playing this event for so long and to win it is amazing. That was my goal coming home.

“I hadn’t won this year and have been playing well, so to come here and win a tournament in my home country in front of my home fans with some of my family here is very special.

“I knew what was at stake for me. My Sunshine Tour category was running out and the only way I could keep my card and keep supporting the Sunshine Tour was to win.

“That was my goal coming back here. I’m proud of myself, and I’m proud to be the Joburg Open champion.”

READ MORE: Fortinet Australian PGA Championship: Min Woo Lee wins by three strokes