Shubhankar Sharma won his first title on the European Tour by lifting the trophy at Joburg Open at the Randpark Golf Club in Johannesburg, South Africa on Monday.
The Indian became only the fourth foreigner to win the Joburg Open after Argentine Ariel Canete, Dane Anders Hansen and Englishman Andy Sullivan.
Sharma entered the final round with a five-shot lead but had seen that cut to four when play was halted due to storms. However, he got back in groove after the delay, birdieing the ninth and then parring his way home for a 69 that moved him to 23 under and gave him a three-shot victory over South Africa’s Erik van Rooyen, who carded a 66.
A day earlier, Sharma held a five-shot lead entering the final 18 holes and birdied two of the first seven holes to reach 22 under par overall.
Sharma, who has five wins on the Professional Golf Tour of India, won a European Tour title in only his tenth event, having achieved eight top tens on the Asian Tour including the co-sanctioned UBS Hong Kong Open two weeks ago.
Sharma’s maiden senior tour victory will also give him a place in the 2018 British Open field at Carnoustie next July.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!