Sullivan savours more success in South Africa at Joburg Open

Andy Sullivan - CROPPED

Andy Sullivan triumphed in South Africa for the second time in 2015 as a final-round 66 saw him clinch the Joburg Open by two shots on Sunday. 

The Englishman, who hit the headlines in September by winning a trip to space courtesy of a hole-in-one at the KLM Open, celebrated his first European Tour title with a play-off victory at the South African Open in January. 

And Sullivan built on that by topping the leaderboard on 17 under at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Club, two strokes clear of a group of five players tied for second that included overnight leader Wallie Coetsee. 

Seven birdies, five on the front nine alone, enabled Sullivan to set the pace and clinch his place at The Open in July along with fellow countrymen Anthony Wall and David Howell, who were among those tied for second and qualify by virtue of a superior placing in the world rankings.

A huge putt at the last from Sullivan cranked the pressure up on the chasing pack, who were unable to make up the necessary ground.

"It's unbelievable," Sullivan said at the presentation ceremony. "I never imagined it [winning] would happen again so quickly. 

"Coming down the stretch me and my caddie were loving life again and enjoying it. It seems to be a theme, enjoying my golf and getting the right results at the moment.

"I am on the crest of a wave at the moment and I don't want it to end. I just want it to keep going."

Howell's day had started brilliantly as he reached the turn in 33, picking up four shots to briefly hold the lead, but a hooked tee shot at the 14th found the water and his challenge was over.

A water hazard also slowed down Wall's push for the win, seeing him record a bogey five at the 15th – his second of the day.

Coetsee saw his lead cut after bogeys at two and 12, although he was able to salvage something from his Sunday with two birdies in the final five holes to earn a tie for second.
 

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