Groenewald wins thrilling Wild Coast Challenge

VAUGHN Groenewald ended his three-year winless run at the venue and tournament of his last victory when he won the Sun Wild Coast Challenge on the first playoff hole on Saturday.

He entered the final round trailing Adilson Da Silva – whom, along with Darren Fichardt and Hennie Otto made up the four-man playoff after finishing 16-under-par 194 in regulation – by a single shot on a total of 12-under.

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Groenewald last entered the winner’s circle in 2015 when he won the same tournament some three years ago.

“The whole day I was just going with the motion, I was one-under and probably three or four shots behind,” noted Groenewald after his playoff win, talking about his thought process during the final round, “I wasn’t even thinking of the win. I was too far behind. But then I turned and I thought ‘well, let’s play for second or third.”

A final round 66 catapulted him to a share of the top spot with the players already mentioned to force the tournament into a sudden death.

“I’ve been in a playoff, I think, four times before,” he said, “but, this is the first I have won. I’m always happy for a win.”

Despite the challenges encountered prior to the start of this event, which saw some holes vandalised before the start of the tournament which led to a decision to play the tournament on just the front nine of the golf course – coupled with delays of tee times due to inclement weather at times, Groenewald wasn’t that bothered in Port Edward.

“I love it here,” he exclaimed, “I love the coast, I love this layout and I think I might just take up membership here.”

Leading scores:

194 – Darren Fichardt 66 66 62, Adilson Da Silva 63 64 67, Vaughn Groenewald 67 61 66, Hennie du Plessis 66 64 64.

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