Willett falters as Oosthuizen wins

The two players shared the overnight lead, but a six-under-par round of 67 gave defending champion Oosthuizen the title.

The former Open champion birdied the par-three 17th, Van der Walt making bogey at the same hole, to settle the tussle.

Oosthuizen shot an eagle, six birdies and two bogeys today to finish with a four-round total of 25 under par.

Van der Walt started the final day impressively with birdies in his first three holes, but he picked up only two more birdies and a bogey to go round in 69.

Oosthuizen admitted he knew his final-round battle with Van der Walt would not be an easy one.

“It was a real dogfight for most of the day,” said Oosthuizen.

“I remember watching Tjaart when I was an amateur, and it was just great seeing him play to his potential. He played really well. He’s one of those who won’t go away. He’s not going to mess it up – he’s too consistent for that.”

Retief Goosen finished in third place, three shots off the lead on 24 under, after he also finished with a 69.

Goosen carded a birdie and an eagle in his opening three holes, but his challenge faded and he picked up just two more birdies and a bogey.

Sheffield’s Danny Willett could only manage a 73 to lie seventh on 19 under. The 24-year-old moved to within a shot of the lead after a third-round 65 but he could not close the gap on the final day. It remains a promising start to the year for Willett.