Storm dug deep to see off McIlroy’s late charge
The 106th BMW SA Open golf championship ended on a high note.
AS the second-oldest golf championship in the world, the organisers of the BMW South African Open couldn’t ask for a more gripping end to 106th staging of the tournament, which was held at the Glendower Golf club from Thursday January 12 to Sunday January 15.
World number two, Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland, overcame the rib injury that he sustained on the second day of the championship, to come storming back on the final day of play – only to be pipped to the crown by Englishman, Graeme Storm.
The massive golfing fraternity turned up at Glendower to watch intriguing golf as the full field of pro-am players for the first two days of play, was reduced by the cut-off for the final two days. The field included names like the ‘ambassador’ of the championship, Ernie Els, former SA Open champion Brandon Grace, Retief Goosen, Trevor Fisher (Jnr) and Jbe’ Kruger on the South African side, plus international players such as Peter Uihlein, David Drysdale and McIlroy.
Sunday’s nail-biting end was set up by Storm building on a three-shot lead to finish 18-under after a closing 71, while McIlroy produced a dream finish 68 on day four to ensure the play-offs.
There was no final hurdle stumble for the leader from day one however, when Storm won the play-off decisevely to earn his second European Tour title and the first since the Open de France Alstom nine years and 198 days – and 274 events – ago.
“I’m speechless. It’s been incredible and I can’t quite believe it,” Storm said.
“This is a dream come true, especially after what happened to me last year with my card and everything. I really took a lot from that experience and told myself to try and grasp the opportunity of getting my livelihood back, with both hands – and I’ve done that this week.”
McIlroy, who played in the championship in 2009, returned by invitation from ‘ambassador’ Els. The large following he received from day one impressed him: “I enjoy playing here and it’s really fantastic to have such a large crowd to accompany me throughout the tournament.”
