Jake Bolton claims maiden professional win at Betway Big Easy Tour event

England’s Jake Bolton shot five-under 67 in the final round of the 10th Betway Big Easy Tour event held at Ebotse Links to total eight-under for the week, and claim a come-from-behind two-shot victory on January 22.

Bolton was two shots off the pace at the start of the final round and knew that a victory was within grasp as he stood over his ball on the first tee.

A bogey-free front nine 32 set the tone for Bolton and the Englishman knew that an equally consistent back nine would aid him greatly in the pursuit of his first professional win.

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Coming home, the 27-year-old Bolton showed patience and good timing as he navigated the homeward nine with some expertise, making two birdies and a single drop en route to career-boosting triumph.

“This is my first pro win,” said Bolton after his round.

“I turned pro in 2021 after the Walker Cup and right now, I’m just over the moon. I can’t explain how I’m feeling right now. All the graft, everything that goes into the daily process to get better, and finally, I got over the line.

“I knew I had to get off to a fast start. I made an early birdie and made an important par just off the second green and that kind of settled the nerves a little bit. And then, I just kicked off from there.

“Then, I sort of relied on my experience a little bit. I previously won as an amateur, so that kind of experience always helps when it’s pressure time.

“Even though winning as an amateur and winning as a professional are different things, I kind of leaned on that experience and I got it done.”

The pair of Oliver Goldhill and Andrew Williamson, who finished two strokes off the top and as runners-up, will be gutted for not being able to get the job.

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However, both will be encouraged by their efforts on the day. Williamson impressed with a near-perfect 65 to get it to six-under while Goldhill’s 71 was enough to hand him another second-place finish.

Now, with this event being the last of the regular season, all eyes will turn to next week’s Play Off at Modderfontein Golf Club, where only the top 50 players on the Order of Merit are eligible.

Bolton has moved up to 22nd in the standings, Goldhill is fifth, while Williamson is 26th.

All three players will be at Modderfontein this week.

The Betway Big Easy Tour is the Sunshine Tour’s feeder circuit and enjoys the support of the legendary Ernie Els, among other patrons.