Dean Burmester shot a bogey-free final-round 64 to win the Joburg Open by three shots Sunday as overnight leader Thriston Lawrence imploded at the Houghton Golf Club.
Burmester made six birdies and cruised through his round for a 262 total to overturn a three-shot deficit and claim his third win on the DP World Tour in its first event of the season.
“I was a little rusty coming in, but my team did such a great job getting me ready for this week … and it paid off,” Burmester said. “I knew I had to do something special, and fortunately I was able to do that.”
The 34-year-old South African finished ahead of second-place compatriot Darren Fichardt, whose final-round 64 included an eagle for a total of 265.
Defending champion Dan Bradbury from England moved into third place, five back of Burmester, after shooting a 64 on the final day.
The top three finishers all qualified for The Open at Royal Troon in July.
Lawrence started the day three shots clear but was in trouble from the second hole, where he doubled-bogeyed, and quickly saw his lead slip. He hit three more sixes for a final-round 75 and a share of seventh place.
The Joburg Open marks the start of three straight tournaments in South Africa that are co-sanctioned by the country’s Sunshine Tour.
Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.