A bogey-free final round of 67, was enough to see Joachim B. Hansen claim his maiden European Tour victory at the Joburg Open.
Hansen entered Sunday a shot behind South Africa’s Wilco Nienaber and an opening nine of 32 saw Nienabar race three shots ahead at the turn.
JB displayed nerves of steels, when he birdied the 10th, 12th and 14th holes, to fight back and get to the top of the leaderboard on 19 under par.
Pars on the final 4 holes, saw the Dane seal victory by 1 shot at Randpark and etch his name onto the Joburg Open trophy.
“I kept the head calm out there and we stuck to the plan in terms of where we wanted to hit our drives and approaches. I kept pushing. It started slowly but suddenly the birdies came on the back nine”, said Hansen.
Hansen fought back tears in his post-round interview and also when he spoke to his wife Elisabeth, via a Zoom call on a laptop to the side of the 18th green. This is his 10th year as a professional.
“The emotions came out there,” the Dane added. “I’m just pleased to get it done after a few near misses. I’m pleased to prove to myself I can win out here.”
Each of Hansen’s rounds at the Joburg Open were under par – 66, 68, 64 and 67, amassing 21 birdies and 2 eagles throughout the tournament.
This European Tour victory takes JB up to 43rd on the Race to Dubai rankings and 152nd on the Official World Golf Rankings.
Many congratulations JB on what will be your first of many wins on the European Tour. We are all so happy for you!