Coetzee recovers to seal maiden tour win

South African George Coetzee won his maiden European Tour title, as he stormed past the overnight leaders with an early run of birdies to finish three shots clear at the Joburg Open yesterday.

The 27-year-old carded a final-round 66 for a 19-under 268 at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club.

Coetzee came from four shots down at the start of the final round to finish ahead of compatriot Justin Walters, Englishman Tyrrell Hatton and Jeong Jin of South Korea, who tied for second on 271.

Former Walker Cup star Andy Sullivan of England was fifth, one shot further back, after the best round of the day, a seven-under 65.

Coetzee's win came after 24 top-10 finishes on the European Tour. - Reuters.