King Louis claims Telkom PGA Championship crown
Louis Albertse wrote his name into South African golf history with a commanding performance to claim the Telkom PGA Championship at Country Club Johannesburg on Sunday.
Albertse closed with a 68 for an impressive 27-under par to see him win by three shots over the second-placed duo of Kyle de Beer and Samuel Simpson.
It was one shot short of the all-time tournament record of 28-under par held by Louis Oosthuizen for his 2008 triumph. But it did equal the next best, with Albertse sharing this honour with George Coetzee who achieved the same in 2011.
Most importantly, it was a much-needed confidence boost after what has been a difficult year for Albertse who fell just short of earning status on the DP World Tour.
“It’s been a tough year and I’m really pleased to stand here. Missing out on a main Tour card with around 40 points is tough to take. I skipped Qualifying School not knowing if it was the correct decision but this has been a great weekend,” Albertse said after winning his fourth title on the Sunshine Tour.
And it was a victory that came in front of those who mean the most to him.
“I’ve got my family here. It’s just been a special week. The golf course is great and Telkom is such a great sponsor. This is such a great event.”
Albertse went into the final round with a three-stroke lead and was never really challenged. He claimed an eagle and a birdie on the front nine and although he dropped two shots on the back nine he added a further three birdies – including at the last – to take the title.
De Beer closed with a 67 to share second place on 24-under par with Simpson, who left his charge a little too late as he finished with three straight birdies for a 68. For Simpson, it was his second successive runner-up finish in this prestigious championship.
The Medallion for the winning caddie was awarded to Altus Kapp.
To add to the celebrations, Telkom announced their support and extended commitment to the PGA Championship for a further two more years.
Scores
261 - Louis Albertse 65 65 63 68
264 - Kyle De Beer 63 69 65 67
264 - Samuel Simpson 65 63 68 68
265 - Luke Brown 63 71 67 64
266 - Daniel van Tonder 66 69 66 65
266 - Joe Sullivan 66 68 66 66
267 - Dean Burmester 67 64 67 69
268 - Jaco Prinsloo 67 67 68 66
268 - Daniel Cronje 68 67 66 67
270 - Cole Stevens 70 69 65 66
270 - Ethan Smith 66 68 69 67
271 - Gerhard Pepler 70 66 63 72
272 - Deon Germishuys 64 69 71 68
272 - Jaco Ahlers 67 69 68 68, Jean-Paul Strydom 67 71 66 68
273 - Estiaan Conradie 71 67 67 68
273 - Vuyisani Makama 71 68 66 68, Charl Barnard 69 69 66 69, Benjamin Kedochim 70 68 65 70
274 - George Coetzee 65 69 72 68
274 - Tyran Snyders 64 70 68 72
275 - Warwick Purchase 67 68 70 70
275 - Malan Potgieter 71 66 68 70, Kieron van Wyk 64 66 74 71, Gabriel Morgan 67 70 67 71
277 - James Mack 69 69 68 71
277 - Graham van der Merwe 69 68 68 72, Jbe' Kruger 68 67 72 70, Trevor Fisher Jnr 69 69 70 69
278 - Pierre Viallaneix 65 69 72 72
278 - Tristen Strydom 66 69 70 73, Justin Walters 69 67 69 73, Ryan van der Klis 71 68 68 71
279 - Luke Jerling 71 67 69 72
279 - Ricky Hendler 66 70 71 72, Nikhil Rama 70 67 71 71, Jaco Van Zyl 70 66 72 71
280 - Kyle Barker 69 68 71 72
280 - Dian Kruger 72 67 72 69
281 - Haydn Porteous 70 69 70 72
282 - Albert Venter 70 69 70 73
282 - Njoroge Kibugu 68 71 70 73, Robson Chinhoi 71 67 71 73, Ockie Strydom 70 69 73 70
283 - Thomas Spreadborough 67 71 72 73
283 - Benjamin Follett-Smith 67 71 73 72, Travis Ladner 68 68 75 72
285 - Kian Rose 68 69 73 75
285 - Keelan Africa 69 68 73 75, Jason Roets 69 70 77 69
287 - Keegan Mclachlan 71 68 71 77
289 - Dayne Moore 68 67 75 79
289 - Adam Breen 71 68 72 78
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