Dean Burmester begins European season with Joburg Open title

Dean Burmester shot a bogey-free final-round 64 to win the Joburg Open by 3 pictures Sunday as in a single day chief Thriston Lawrence imploded on the Houghton Golf Membership.

Burmester made six birdies and cruised by his spherical for a 18-under 262 whole to overturn a 3-shot deficit and declare his third win on the DP World Tour and first in 2½ years.

“I used to be slightly rusty coming in, however my workforce did such an important job getting me prepared for this week … and it paid off,” stated Burmester, whose earlier win was on the Tenerife Open in Might 2021. “I knew I needed to do one thing particular, and thankfully I used to be in a position to do this.”

The 34-year-old South African completed forward of second-place compatriot Darren Fichardt, whose final-round 64 included an eagle for a complete of 265. It was South African-dominated leaderboard, with eight of the highest 11 being dwelling gamers.

Defending champion Dan Bradbury from England moved into third place, 5 again of Burmester, after capturing a 64 on the ultimate day.

The highest three finishers all certified for The Open at Royal Troon in July.

Lawrence, who led after the primary spherical and by 3 pictures after Saturday’s third spherical, dropped 4 strokes in his first 5 holes and had a double-bogey coming dwelling in capturing a 5-over 75. That was eight pictures worse than any of his first three rounds, and he completed in a tie for seventh at 10 below.

The Joburg Open marks the beginning of the European tour season, which begins with three straight tournaments in South Africa which might be co-sanctioned by the nation’s Sunshine Tour.

Reuters and The Related Press contributed to this report.