Date: November 26, 2013
Author: Russell Greaves, Omnisport

Madsen claims maiden European Tour title COPY

Morten Orum Madsen claimed his first European Tour title with a two-shot victory at the South African Open Championship on Sunday.

The Dane carded a final-round 67 to finish on 19 under, two ahead of South African duo Jbe Kruger and Hennie Otto at Glendower Golf Club.

Overnight leader and pre-tournament favourite Charl Schwartzel finished three shots off the pace following a closing 71.

Madsen's blemish-free round of five-under equalled his score on the opening day and proved enough for the 25-year-old to claim the crown.

He took full advantage of Schwartzel's collapse, which came as a surprise after the world number 22 opened with three birdies in the first four holes to move three shots clear.

Schwartzel's challenge faded when he found the water at the par-three sixth and registered a triple-bogey.

A further two dropped shots at the 10th all but ended his hopes and it looked as though one of his compatriots would capitalise, with Otto seven under for the day until he ran into trouble on the 15th.

A bogey there was followed by a double on the next hole, while Kruger came up short despite following an eagle at 13 with three consecutive birdies, as world number 244 Madsen claimed victory.

"It's been an amazing day," Madsen said. "I don't really know right now (how I feel). It's kind of cliched to say it hasn't really sunk in, but it really hasn't.

"I'm just over the moon. I'm so happy. I mean coming down here, I expected to play well but I didn't expect to stand here right now, that's for sure."