South Africa’s Shaun Norris staged a late fightback by battling his way into a playoff with Yusuke Sakamoto before prevailing with a birdie on the second playoff hole to win the Hana Bank Invitational on Sunday.
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It was the 43-year-old’s eighth JGTO victory, coming just six months after he clinched the season-ending JT Cup last December.
Starting the final day four shots off the lead, the South African fired two birdies on holes six and nine to reach the turn in 34. He then caught fire in his back-nine, beginning with a hat-trick of birdies from the par-four 10th.
Norris stumbled briefly with his only bogey of the day on 14 but recovered quickly by picking up two more birdies on 16 and 17 to sign for a six-under-par 66.
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Playing two groups ahead of Norris, Sakamoto had already reached the clubhouse with his four-day total of 18-under-par 270. But he had to return to the 18th hole again with the contest extending into extra time at Heaven Country Club.
Norris and Sakamoto made par on the first playoff hole. But, it was a winning birdie putt on the second playoff hole for Norris that sealed his quick return to the winner’s circle again.
“I feel like a fine wine. I can still compete at the highest level, and that gives me great motivation each time I tee up for a tournament. Every golfer wants to be the best golfer he can be, and I’m no different.
“I fought hard for this latest win, stayed patient throughout the day, and I’m glad my efforts paid off,” said Norris.
Overnight Korean leader Choi Jin-ho had to settle for third place after signing off with a 71 while Canada’s Richard T. Lee closed with a 67 to take solo fourth place on 272 total.
