Alex Noren comes from six behind to win by six

Alex Noren must have woken up this morning thinking it was all a dream.  Too much sun in Sun City!  The 34-year old from Stockholm, who had already been enjoying a tremendous season, came from six shots behind in South Africa to win the Nedbank Golf Challenge hosted by Gary Player (10-13 November) by six shots.  It was not only a decisive victory but also his fourth win on the European Tour this season bringing his earnings this year to more than 2.3 million euros.

 

At the halfway stage, Noren had also held the lead, but a dip in form on Saturday in tough conditions, saw the 21-year old Korean, Jeunghun Wang replace him at the top of the leader-board on 11-under.  Wang’s flawless 64 looked to be unsurpassable on the par-72 layout at the Gary Player Country Club.  Home favourite, Louis Oosthuizen, was also in the mix, three shots behind.

 

On Sunday, Noren teed-off with a six-shot deficit but after a dream start – he opened with three consecutive birdies – suddenly victory was mission possible.  A few holes later, the young Korean began to falter at the par-four 8th, where a double bogey cost him the lead.  Noren was now back on top.  Or at least for one hole.  Wang, a two-time winner on the European Tour, bounced back with a birdie at the next.  The two now shared the lead.  In hindsight, perhaps Wang’s confidence had taken a knock.  Although he did settle down again with pars at 10, 11 and 12, he went on to bogey the 13th, made birdie at the 14th and finally lost his grip on the enormous golf ball trophy, when he made three more bogeys in the last four holes.  The door was open for Noren.

 

“It’s been the season of my life!”

– Alex Noren

 

With three titles already in the bag this season, Alex Noren is becoming rather accustomed to winning.  The Swede was now fearless.  Playing in the last-but-one pairing with Branden Grace (South Africa) and this season’s other ‘hot’ Swede, Henrik Stenson (who finished tie-3rd and 8th, respectively, by the way), Noren turned up the heat in Sun City on the back nine.  An eagle at the 547-yard, par 5, 10th hole, followed by a birdie at the 11th, saw a swing in fortunes between Noren and Wang.

 

Smiley in Sun City

 

For the “Smiley” fans – Andy Sullivan was in good form in Sun City.   It was another great week for the likeable English lad who played in the final flight on Sunday along with Wang and Oosthuizen.  He closed with a level par 72 for a share of third place on 7-under par after opening with rounds of 72, 69 and 68.

 

Sweden’s newest golf phenomenon, however, finished the tournament in style carding in total eight birdies and an eagle on Sunday for a round of 63.  His tally of 14-under par was six shots better than his nearest rival, Wang.

 

“I’ve never played so good – especially on the greens …”

 

– Alex Noren commenting on his closing round of 63.  He admits to being very happy with his Odyssey Putter…

 

“I’ve never holed so many putts on those first 11 holes …!”

 

 

Victory in the Nedbank Golf Challenge brings Noren to eight victories on the European Tour since he turned pro in 2005.  He flies home to Monaco more than a million euros richer – 1,048,522, to be precise.  Indeed, each and every one of the 72 players in this event, one of the lucrative tournaments in the ‘Final Series’, receives a pay cheque as there is no half-way cut.

 

Many congratulations to you, Alex!

 

Wendy Hoad

 

 

PICTURED: Alex Noren with the Scottish Open trophy earlier this season.