Samuel Simpson claimed his second Sunshine Tour title in the season-opening Mediclinic Invitational at the Heron Banks Golf & River Estate on Saturday.
Simpson carded a final round of one-under-par 70 to win on 19 under par, three shots clear of Simon du Plooy (66) and Austin Bautista (68).
Related: Samuel Simpson sizzles with 62 to lead Mediclinic Invitational
Simpson took a five-shot lead into the final round but started with a double-bogey on the first and then a bogey on the third. He steadied his round with two birdies thereafter, then added an eagle on the par-five 11th. He birdied 13 and bogeyed 14 before parring his way to the title.
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Du Plooy, who was as much as seven shots behind at the start of the round, threatened to catch Simpson on the back nine and was just two shots behind after his birdie on the 16th. But a bogey on 17 ended his challenge.
“I made it hard for myself early on at the start of the round, but I’m just really happy with the way I handled myself. I didn’t take myself out of it,” Simpson said.
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“I’m just learning every day I’m out here and taking a lot of advice from the more experienced pros. I also just slowed my walk down and I slowed my tempo down. I just believed in myself to be honest,” Simpson said.
Bautista’s share of second continued his excellent form that saw him end last season with finishes of eighth and seventh and now start the new season with a second place.
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The Sunshine Tour travels across the border for its next event, the FBC Zim Open at Royal Harare Golf Club from 7-10 May.
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