JOHANNESBURG — In a thrilling finish at the Joburg Open, Scottish golfer Calum Hill emerged victorious by making par on the second playoff hole, overcoming South African contenders Jacques Kruyswijk and Shaun Norris on a stormy Sunday at Houghton Golf Club.
The playoff drama unfolded under a sky filled with thunder and lightning as all three golfers parred the par-4 18th hole during the initial extra hole, prompting a return to the tee for the decisive moment.
Leader Shaun Norris, who began the day with a four-stroke advantage, faltered after misjudging his second shot, sending it into the water from a fairway bunker. Calum Hill then left a birdie attempt just short from off the green, settling for an easy par.
Kruyswijk faced a crucial par putt from three feet to continue the competition but unfortunately pushed it to the right, handing the victory to Hill without the need for further playoff action.
Hill, ranked 286th in the world rankings, claimed his second European tour win, adding to his list of accomplishments after winning the Cazoo Classic in 2021. His impressive performance on Sunday, with an 8-under 62, set a clubhouse target at 14 under. Kruyswijk joined the playoff with a score of 66, narrowly missing consecutive victories after his success in the Magical Kenya Open last month. Norris completed the playoff roster with two birdies on the last three holes, concluding his round with a score of 70.
Norris’s bid for a wire-to-wire triumph fell short despite his recent victory at the Alfred Dunhill Championship in December.
