European Tour: Fichardt Hangs for Joburg Open Win

Darren Fichardt wins the rain-shortened Joburg Open in his home country

A birdie on his last hole at the Joburg Open was just enough to give South African Darren Fichardt a one-stroke victory for his fifth European Tour title.

A slew of rain during the week at Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club shortened Africa’s largest annual golf tournament to 54 holes. That helped to produce a condensed leaderboard. Twenty-two golfers finished within five of the pace, and two breathed down Fichardt’s neck finishing one back.

A week before, Brett Rumford won the Perth Super 6 to gain full status on the European Tour. Fichardt finished 2016 with two top-three finishes worldwide, but missed 12 of 22 cuts and failed to contend in eight of the other 10.

Four straight made cuts entering the week and now a win can do a lot for a man’s confidence, Fichardt explained in a European Tour press release.

"The form I have been having the last couple of months has been horrendous but I decided at the beginning of the year that I was going to play as many tournaments as I can and just get my game right . . . and yeah, it worked out. It’s good to win again."

It did work out, but not until the final stroke was made. A bogey on No. 17 for the leader at day’s beginning made for some uncertainty. He dropped to 14-under and was tied with clubhouse leader Stuart Manley and Paul Waring, who was in his group.