Home hero Shaun Norris won the Alfred Dunhill Golf Championship at Leopard Creek Country Club in South Africa. Norris becomes the eighth South African to win the tournament in the past 12 editions.
Here are the key points of his victory:
Final Round Performance:
- Norris, who started the final round six shots behind overnight leader Marcus Kinhult (74), carded a 5-under 67 to win by a single shot. His round was highlighted by an eagle at the second alongside five birdies, while overcoming a double bogey on the seventh.
Final Scores:
- Norris finished the tournament on 13-under par with a total score of 275. He ended one stroke ahead of Ryan van Velzen (72), John Parry (69), and Kinhult, who all tied for second place at 12-under.
Key Moments:
- An early eagle on the second hole, keyed by a lengthy putt off the green, was a significant moment for Norris, setting the tone for his comeback. After a double bogey on the par-3 7th hole, Norris bounced back and reeled off birdies on hole Nos. 8, 11, 13, and 15 to set the clubhouse mark.
- The decisive moment came when van Velzen, who had a chance to force a playoff, hit his ball into the water on 18, resulting in a bogey and handing the victory to Norris.
42 year old Shaun Norris shoots a final round 67 and takes the clubhouse lead at -13 ????#DunhillChamps pic.twitter.com/VJD358xcWT
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) December 15, 2024
Emotional Victory:
- After securing his second career win – both coming on home soil, Norris was visibly emotional in the post round interview, highlighting the personal significance of this victory. As a 42-year-old journeyman, Norris mentioned the challenges he’s faced over the last year, which made this win particularly meaningful. His previous European Tour win was at the Steyn City Championship in 2022, also in South Africa.
Legacy:
- The Alfred Dunhill Championship is renowned for its setting adjacent to the Kruger National Park, offering a challenging and scenic course. Norris’s win adds his name to a list of distinguished champions who have won what is considered “South Africa’s major,” including former major winners in Adam Scott, Justin Rose, Ernie Els, Charl Schwartzel, and Louis Oosthuizen.
Impact on Career:
- This victory not only secures Norris a spot in the history of the Alfred Dunhill Championship but also boosts his standing and confidence on the DP World Tour. It follows his recent win at the Golf Nippon Series JT Cup in Japan, indicating a strong end to his 2024 season.
The moment a very emotional Shaun Norris found out he had claimed his second Tour title ????#DunhillChamps pic.twitter.com/4LNQ3fzte1
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) December 15, 2024
Norris Talks:
- Norris: “I’m very happy that it worked out this way. Words can’t describe (winning a second DP World Tour title). This last year has been very tough. It’s been up and down and all over the place. But thanks to God, my family, my wife. We’ve kept it together. Winning two weeks ago in Japan and then winning this week – what a blessing.”
Shaun Norris’s win at the Alfred Dunhill Championship was a testament to his resilience and golfing prowess, coming from behind to claim one of the season’s most prestigious titles on home soil.
Top-10: Alfred Dunhill Championship
Leaderboard: Final
Pos-Player-Score (Rd 4)
1. Shaun Norris -13 (-5)
2. John Parry -12 (-3)
2. Ryan Van Velzen -12 (E)
2. Marcus Kinhult -12 (+2)
5. Angel Ayora -11 (-1)
5. Darius van Driel -11 (E)
7. Keenan Davidse -10 (-4)
7. Andy Sullivan -10 (-2)
7. Martin Couvra -10 (-1)
7. Dale Whitnell -10 (-1)
Full leaderboard at EuropeanTour.com
