Comeback Krog seals maiden Sunshine Tour title in Mopani Zambia Open

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South Africa is one of the most prolific producers of world-class golfing talent in the world, and the Sunshine Tour has been integral to our nation’s success. The Tour has produced some of the most successful golfers on the PGA and DP World Tour both past and present, such as Gary Player, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Louis Oosthuizen, Trevor Immelman, Charl Schwartzel, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Erik Van Rooyen, and Garrick Higgo.

The Sunshine Tour has partnered with various organisations, brands, and stakeholders to create a platform for golfers from the southern African region and abroad to display their talent and become successful golfers on the global stage. These partners include the DP World Tour, Golf RSA, the South African Golf Development Board, the South African Golf Association, and the PGA of South Africa, with all these organisations contributing to the Sunshine Tour becoming one of the premier golf tours in the world.

In addition, hosting tournaments in the southern African region and visiting a variety of regions, climates, and courses helps stimulate economic growth and activity by involving local communities in varying capacities. These Sunshine Tour events have become highly anticipated both for players and golf fans. Of these events, none are more anticipated than the Joburg Open, the Investec SA Open Championship, and the Alfred Dunhill Championship; all are Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour co-sanctioned events. These tournaments have seen some of the most well-known players in the world compete, including Ernie Els, Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood, Louis Oosthuizen, and Henrik Stenson.

The Sunshine Tour’s mission statement is Greatness Begins Here. As it continues to grow, it provides a platform for more golfers to achieve their own greatness while asserting South Africa’s position as a vibrant and competitive golfing nation.

ZAMBIA, Kitwe – Zimbabwean Stuart Krog became a first-time Sunshine Tour winner by clinching the Mopani Zambia Open title by a single shot at the Nkana Golf Club on Sunday.

Krog closed with a 66 to finish on five under par, one shot clear of Jason Roets, who signed for a final round of 75.

Krog, who ended in joint seventh place at this tournament two years ago and who has had multiple top-10 finishes in his Sunshine Tour career, went into Sunday’s final round in joint 14^th place on one over par.

“It’s something I’ve dreamt of for the last couple of years and I’ve had a couple of close calls. I can’t really process any of the feelings right now. It’s going to take a while,” an overjoyed Krog said.

It was an impressive comeback after Krog opened the tournament with a 76 that left him in joint 68^th position, before he climbed the leaderboard thereafter with rounds of 72 and 69.

“I’m so excited. I mean, being four over par through two rounds I knew I was going to need a big weekend and a big final day. I just played dream golf today. I loved every second of it and still can’t believe it.

“I just tried to keep calm today, putt well, and hit good shots. I’m glad I got it done today,” Krog said.

In a tournament where only 10 golfers finished under par, and with overnight leader Roets struggling on the final day, Krog rolled in seven birdies and dropped only one shot on his way to the clubhouse lead on five under, with a tense wait for the final group to finish behind him.

A birdie for Roets on the 11^th hole saw him move two shots clear, but a run of three bogeys in three holes on the 13^th, 14^th and 15^th dropped him to one shot behind Krog, and from which he was unable to recover from over the closing holes.

Haydn Porteus, the Sunshine Tour’s Comeback Player of the Year last season, finished in joint third place on three under par with fellow South African Keagan Thomas, both signing for final rounds of 73.

Defending champion Samuel Simpson (70) shared fifth place on two under par with Frenchman Pierre Viallaneix (75). – Michael Vlismas Media

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