George Coetzee wins Tshwane Open

George Coetzee used his aggressive nature and club championship experiences to take his second European Tour title at the Tshwane Open.

Coetzee took the title by a one shot margin from fellow South African Jacques Blaauw, eventually finishing at -14 for the tournament.

A final round five-under was enough to leapfrog Blaauw, who had made a late surge on the final day carding a final round nine-under, but this was ultimately not enough to win the title.

Coetzee following his win, said: “I had to draw on my club championship experiences today.

“I threw one club championship away playing conservatively when I was at the 17th. 

“So today it was quite an easy decision to take out the driver no matter what, because I don’t know how to play that hole with an iron.”

The 28-year old South African carded a flawless final round 65 at the Pretoria Country Club.

“I think I’ve finally got the scores down after 18 years of playing golf,” said Coetzee, a local native.

“I know when I’m comfortable hitting drivers and going for par-4’s or being aggressive and attacking flags.

“I think today it played to my advantage.

“Knowing when to be aggressive and when not to.”

Scotland’s Craig Lee, Coetzee’s only other challenger on the final day, was unable to close the deficit. 

Eventually slipping to fourth on the leaderboard after carding an even par final round 70.

Elsewhere, regular NCG columnist Robert Rock ended the tournament tied-eighth at seven-under. 

Recently announced Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke a further five places back, finishing tied-15th at five-under.
Full leaderboard details can be found here.

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