Johannesburg – When Morten Orum Madsen added his name to the SA Open Championship golf trophy on Sunday, he received an entry into the $6.5-million Nedbank Golf Challenge.
With his two-stroke triumph for a maiden European Tour victory at Glendower Golf Club, Madsen went from a world-ranked 244th into the 30-man field at the Gary Player Country Club from December 5-8.
“From the very first time I played in South Africa, I thoroughly enjoyed it,” Madsen said after his victory.
“I always thought I would play pretty well but I didn't expect to win. It's an amazing feeling.”
Madsen claimed his place with an impressive final round at Glendower in which he overcame a strong South African challenge.
Charl Schwartzel held the lead before a triple bogey on the sixth hole followed by a double bogey on the tenth.
Hennie Otto was in front as he chased a second SA Open title in three years, but bogeyed the 15th and double bogeyed the 16th.
“To have the SA Open as my first victory on the European Tour is extremely special,” Madsen said.
“If you look down the list of names that have won this tournament in the past, there are Major champions and really great champions all around, so it's an honour.”
Madsen became the first Dane to win the SA Open, and would join compatriot Thomas Bjorn in the Sun City field. – Sapa