South Africa’s Jacques Kruyswijk overcame competition from England’s John Parry to seal an impressive maiden DP World Tour triumph at the Magical Kenya Open.
The 32-year-old came into the final round at Muthaiga Golf Club as the overnight leader with a one shot advantage but saw himself under early pressure from playing partner Parry as the Englishman sunk consecutive birdies on the fourth and fifth to top the leaderboard.
However, the South African hit back with back-to-back birdies of his own on the sixth and seventh to reclaim the lead which he did not relinquish afterwards as he surged away from Parry extending his lead at both the 10th and 16th to close with a final-round 67 and end with a sublime bogey-free weekend to clinch a maiden DP Tour victory in imposing fashion.
“It’s special,” Kruyswijk said. “I’m a little bit lost for words but this is for my family back home, my friends, my team and this is for South Africa.
“I’m happy that I can keep the trophy on African soil and obviously bring it back to South Africa. It makes me very proud.
“I’m super proud of myself with the mindset I’ve had this week and the way I’ve played this golf course. What can I say? I’m happy.”
Victory means that he becomes the 47th different South African player to win on the DP World Tour, a triumph that came in his 139th start.
Parry concluded the tournament two shots adrift on 16 under as his good form in events in Africa continue. He has now moved up to second in the Race to Dubai Rankings, currently topped by fellow countryman Tyrrell Hatton.
South African pair Deon Germishuys and Jayden Trey Schaper ended the tournament in third and fourth respectively on 13 under and 12 under.
What is the next event?
The next event on the DP World Tour schedule is the Investec South African Open Championship taking place between Feb 27-Mar 2 at The Durban Country Club.