Sunshine Tour rookie Warwick Purchase withstood a few final-round challenges on his way to a maiden victory in the Fortress Invitational.

Purchase secured his victory at Glendower Golf Club on October 19

Purchase, who held a three-shot lead going into the final round, had to endure a strong charge from the experienced Kyle Barker and a weather delay before closing with a 70 for victory on 19 under par.

Barker signed for a 69 to finish tied second with Fortress Rookie of the Year leader Mexico’s Luis Carrera (65) on 17 under par.

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“I’m so happy to get the job done today. There were a couple of doubts going into the back nine, and I had a bit of a tricky finish coming in,” said Purchase.

“I’m really proud of myself. I fought hard and dug deep.”

After taking the win, Purchase said he was feeling a bit overwhelmed but felt incredibly overjoyed.

“I’ve had a tough time the last few months on the golf course, so to go on and do it this week, it’s awesome.”

Purchase came into the tournament having missed the cut in his previous four events on the Sunshine Tour, and admitted it felt incredibly rewarding to finally break through with a maiden victory.

“Right now, it means absolutely everything to me. It’s obviously a goal and something I have been working towards.

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“That’s why we practice every day and why we get up every morning. I’m really happy,” Purchase said.

Steven Brown, CEO of Fortress Real Estate Investments, said they are proud to have completed the fourth year of the Fortress Invitational.

“Each year, the event continues to get better, and this year was no exception.”

He said it was an honour to witness such amazing golf at the Glendower course.

“It’s especially exciting to see three of the top six finishers are currently in the running for the Fortress Rookie of the Year award,” said Brown.

With his victory, Purchase moves into second place behind Carrera on the Fortress Rookie of the Year standings.

Another strong finish by Carrera sees him climb into third place on the Sunshine Tour’s Courier Guy Order of Merit.

Tyrone Ryan closed with a 68 to take fourth place on 16 under par.
The top six finishers were:
269 – Warwick Purchase 66, 71, 62, 70.
271 – Luis Carrera 72, 70, 64, 65.
271 – Kyle Barker 69, 67, 66, 69.
272 – Tyrone Ryan 68, 68, 68, 68.
276 – Jonathan Broomhead 68, 68, 72, 68.
276 – Daniel van Tonder 66, 69, 69, 72.