Johannesburg – Swede Henrik Stenson held his nerve on his way to a final-round 71, winning the SA Open by three shots ahead of South African George Coetzee at Serengeti, in Kempton Park, on Sunday.
Coetzee, despite a front nine charge, also settled for a final-round 71.
Stenson ended on a 17-under 271 total for the co-sanctioned European and Sunshine Tour event.
The Swede began the final round with a three-stroke cushion over playing partner Coetzee.
He got off to a solid start with a birdie on the par-five third, while playing partner Coetzee holed from off the green for eagle to pull within two.
On the par-three ninth, Stenson pulled his tee shot into a hazard and could manage only a double bogey as the pair went to the back nine tied on 14 under, with Stenson holding on to seal the victory.
It was his first win of the year as he looked to finalise a spot in the Dubai World Championship next week.
Stenson came into the week in 59th place in the Race to Dubai season-long moneylist. – Sapa