Strydom lifts the trophy

KEMPTON Park’s Okkie Strydom showed class and composure as he claimed his third IGT Tour victory this season at Ruimsig Country Club.

Strydom came under some pressure midway through the final round as top ranked amateur, Zander Lombard, made a charge towards the top.

The 29-year-old held firm, though, and carded a four-under-par 68 to claim the third event in the Race to Q-School series by three strokes on 15-under-par 201.

Lombard fired a 66 to take second, finishing three strokes ahead of Jaco Prinsloo, who returned a 71.

In the final round Strydom got going with a birdie at the first but lost the advantage when he dunked it in the water at the fourth. He took back control with a birdie at the eighth and eagle at the ninth.

“I turned three under and had a five shot lead at that stage,” Strydom recalled. “I dropped another shot at the 11th and suddenly my lead was just two shots after Zander made three birdies in a row.

“I knocked in birdie putts at the 13th and 16th and got myself in the lead again. It was a good finish but it was a pity my par-putt at the 17th lipped out. Still, it’s great to finish on the podium again.”

Strydom is excited to take his game to the Nedbank Affinity Cup at Sun City on the Sunshine Tour next.

“I have to say, my wife Marizanne deserves all the credit for this one for motivating me into the winner’s circle,” Strydom said.

“She just kept up the positive vibes and my game did the rest. I’m striking it really well, especially my longer irons. I played well tee to green and the putter is on song, too.

“Winning again has given my confidence a really nice push and, for once, I am looking forward to the pre-qualifiers again.”