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• Englishman claims second victory of the season
• Joburg Open glory follows South African Open win in January
• “I never imagined it would happen again so quickly,” says 28-year-old

ANDY SULLIVAN

South Africa is fast becoming a home from home for Andy Sullivan, after the Englishman sealed his second European Tour victory in the ‘Rainbow Nation’ in as many months.

Sullivan, who claimed his maiden title at the South African Open Championship at Glendower in January, shot a 17-under-par total to win the Joburg Open by two shots from compatriots David Howell and Anthony Wall, Ireland’s Kevin Phelan and South Africans Wallie Coetsee and Jaco Van Zyl.

The 28-year old Sullivan, the highest ranked player in the field, began the final round three shots behind overnight leader Coetsee, but moved to the top of a crowded leaderboard with five birdies in a flawless front nine of 32.

“Coming down the stretch me and my caddie were loving life again.” – Andy Sullivan

A bogey on the 11th dropped the former Walker Cup player a shot behind Howell, who had gone to the turn in 33, only for Howell to hook his tee shot into the water on the 14th.

Wall’s challenge also faltered when he found water on the 15th and it was Sullivan who held his nerve down the closing stretch with birdies on the 15th and 18th to seal victory.

“It’s unbelievable,” Sullivan said at the presentation ceremony. “I never imagined it would happen again so quickly. Coming down the stretch me and my caddie were loving life again and enjoying it. It seems to be a theme, enjoying my golf and getting the right results at the moment.”

Joburg Open - Day Four

Sullivan won a trip into space for a hole-in-one during last year’s KLM Open and added: “I think I am already there to be honest with you. I am on the crest of a wave at the moment and I don’t want it to end. I just want it to keep going.

“I want to say a big thank you to my coach Jamie Gough, who has really turned it around, and my psychologist Lee Crombleholme who has been exceptional this week, working hard on being patient out there.

“I am just grateful it has all paid off and I get to hold another magnificent trophy in South Africa again.”

Howell and Wall were both left to rue missed chances, but at least had the consolation of sealing places in The Open in July.

“I played beautifully, probably made three really bad swings all week and they cost me shots each time,” Howell said after a closing 69. “Just hit one left on 14 that cost me a shot and then couldn’t find the putts coming in.

“It’s not been the best start to the year and this is the first really good performance, which has been great. Frustrating not to finish it off because I gave myself a great chance, but it wasn’t to be.”

Joburg Open - Day Four

Howell, above, ended a seven-year winless drought with victory in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews in 2013 and was thrilled to secure a return to the Old Course for The Open.

“I am absolutely delighted about that, that was one of the main reasons I came down here,” he added. “I have not played an Open at St Andrews and I’m not getting any younger so I knew my chances were running out. I am going to really enjoy it.”

Wall, who carded a final round of 68 featuring an eagle, four birdies and two bogeys, added: “It’s very disappointing because I was really feeling good about today. A win is a win, but to play in The Open, especially at St Andrews, will be lovely.”

Andy Sullivan :: What’s next for the Englishman?

Having won twice already on the European Tour in 2015, what do you think the rest of the year has in store for Andy Sullivan? Could he become England’s highest ranked player on the Official World Golf Rankings? Leave your thoughts in our ‘Comments’ section below.

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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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