Ruan de Smidt returned to the winner’s circle for the first time in three years with a maiden Big Easy IGT Challenge Tour victory at Services Golf Club on Wednesday.

Coming off three successive top-10 finishes, De Smidt performed according to the formbook.

The 29-year-old Krugersdorp golfer fired a final round eight-under-par 64 to come from behind and win by four shots on 16-under-par 200.

“I am really pleased to have pulled it through at last. I pulled my brother (Darin) in to help me with my driver and I am hitting the ball as good as I’ve ever hit it in my career. The results started to show and it’s my go-to club now.” said the champion.

De Smidt won four times on the Sunshine Tour, but lost his card at the end of last season.

“I had a shocking season, but these things happen. It was a huge blow, but lucky for guys like me the Big Easy IGT is our mulligan. We can stay competitive, work on our games and get back on tour without having to go through the trials of Q-School again,” he explained.

The top six players at the end of the season-long series will earn full playing privileges for the 2020/2021 season. With the win, De Smidt has his foot on the bottom rung of the ladder.

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