Sterne backs up at South African Open
BY Bruce Young | European PGA Tour | 2008 South African Airways Open | Round Four | 22 Dec 2008
South African Richard Sterne made it back to back wins when he birdied the first extra hole of a playoff against Northern Ireland’s rookie Gary Maybin to win the South African Open at Pearl Valley.
Just seven days after his win at the Alfred Dunhill Championship, Sterne made it three wins in South African events co-sanctioned with the European Tour in 2008, adding this victory to the win at the Alfred Dunhill and that at the Joburg Open early in the year.
Sterne was able to take the advantage at the first extra hole when Maybin drove it into a fairway trap and could only lay up while Sterne finished alongside the green with his second. Despite a good approach to 12 feet, Maybin was unable to convert and the title went to Sterne.
The 27-year-old moved to third on the European Tour money list in season 2009 behind Sergio Garcia and Oliver Wilson and importantly this finish should see him move inside the top 50 and therefore be on his way to Augusta for the second occasion.
Maybin appears to have a bright future on the European Tour. Having gained his playing rights by finishing 4th on the Challenge Tour standings in 2008 including a win in an event in China, Maybin has provided evidence that he will carry that form onto the European Tour.
28-year-old Maybin played collegiate golf in the US prior to turning professional three years ago and competed initially on US mini tours before returning to play the Challenge Tour in 2007 where he finished 49th before embarking on a full campaign there in 2008.
Ernie Els saved his best for last with a whirlwind last nine holes that included five birdies in his last seven holes. He stood on the final hole needing a birdie to force the issue but was unable to do so. Two triple bogeys in his round of 77 on Saturday tell the story of what might have been.
Lee Westwood led into the final day but an outward nine of 39 today cost him his chance while teenager Rory McIlroy again highlighted his amazing potential with another solid finish to go with several others in recent weeks. McIlroy was in 50th position in the world rankings leading into this week, which assures him of a start at Augusta in 2009 for the first time.
The European Tour’s next event will be the Joburg Open starting on January 8th where Sterne will be defending and attempting a remarkable treble.
