MADRID – South Africa’s George Coetzee fired a superb final round nine-under 63 to finish fourth at the Spanish Open in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday.
Coetzee finished on a 16-under total following earlier rounds of 72 66 and 71. Spain’s John Rahm claimed victory on 20-under.
For his efforts, Coetzee pocketed R1.1m in earnings.
The 31-year-old was on fire in the final round reeling off five birdies on his opening nine. An eagle at the 10th propelled him to seven-under for the day, with whispers of sub-60 growing louder.
Though he remained bogey-free, just two more gains followed in what will be a memorable tournament for the four-time European Tour event winner.
Coetzee began the year ranked 135th in the world, and has now moved up to 86th. His rise of 49 spots has been courtesy of a tied-eighth finish at the Qatar Masters in February, victory at the Tshwane Open in March and now his result in Spain.
Countryman Jacques Kruyswijk ended in a share of ninth on 14-under, with Erik van Rooyen two shots behind in a tie for 21st. Christiaan Bezuidenhout was 28th on 11-under.