GALLERY: Westwood storms past leaders to snatch up 2018 NGC
The challenge which was hosted by Gary Player took place on November 8 to 11 at Sun City.
Lee Westwood had the best of intention to win the 2018 Nedbank Golf Challenge (NGC) when he teed-off on the final day of Africa’s Major tournament.
The challenge which was hosted by Gary Player took place on November 8 to 11 at Sun City.
In sweltering heat, the 45-year-old Westwood kept his calm and broke his four-year drought to lift the 2018 NGC trophy in front of a sell-out crowd. He recorded his first in four years, and the second NGC title while boasting 24 European Tour titles overall.
Westwood came from well behind to erase three shots from the leader, Sergio Garcia, on the final day of play. His five back-nine birdies helped him to his eight-under 64 on the Gary Player Country club to finish 15 under, ousting Garcia (70) by three. South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen (69) efforts helped him to a third 11-under.
Five back-nine birdies helped Westwood erase a three-shot deficit, to start the day and chase down Sergio Garcia to win the tournament on Sunday in Sun City.
Photo: Abri Kriegler
Garcia opened Sunday leading Louis Oosthuizen by two and Westwood by three.
“I’m a bit emotional, to be honest,” said the Englishman, Westwood. “You’re never sure whether you’re going to be able to do it again.”
“Until now, my emotions have felt under control all day which is what I’ve been working hard on. I was just trying to hit the fairways and stick to my game-plan.
“I’ve got a bit of a process that I’m going through with my golf swing and I’m starting to see better shots. The seven-iron into 17 is probably one of the best shots I’ve ever hit.”
His girlfriend and caddie, Helen Storey, jumped into his arms when he finished on the 72nd green.
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