Daniel van Tonder claimed his first European Tour title at the Kenya Savannah Classic, topping Jazz Janewattananond with a birdie on the third sudden-death playoff hole at Karen Country Club.
The 30-year-old South African carded a final-day 7-under par 64, highlighted by “an outrageous birdie” (according to the Euro Tour’s TV commentator) on the 18th to force extra holes.
“I was struggling last week, but this week I found everything and was very happy,” van Tonder said. “I knew if I gave myself some putting chances, I’d make one sooner or later.
“I’ve been working hard. Last year I had four wins on the Sunshine Tour, my stroke average was quite low – then Covid happened and it made everything a bit hard travel-wise and getting in to tournaments. It wasn’t easy. I had to work hard and keep myself motivated. It paid off, so I’m very happy.
“I’m a bit different. I love pressure, if there’s pressure I get more in the zone. For me, I tried to keep it as easy as possible – hit the fairway first, then the second, put the other player under pressure and see what happens from there. I took it shot-by-shot and it worked.”
Daniel van Tonder’s Maiden European Tour Win in Kenya
