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Record-setting Noren wins Nedbank Golf Challenge

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SUN CITY, SOUTH AFRICA - NOVEMBER 13: Alex Noren of Sweden celebrates a birdie on the 16th green during day four of the Nedbank Golf Challenge at Gary Player CC on November 13, 2016 in Sun City, South Africa. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
  • Post published:November 13, 2016

Alex Noren won the Nedbank Golf Challenge on Sunday with an inspired 63 (one less than the course record) at Gary Player Country Club. It was his fourth victory in 11 starts and follows the Scottish Open, European Masters, and British Masters.

He joined an illustrious list of four-time in one season winners that includes Ian Woosnam and Rory McIlroy.

‘I tried to get the right feelings for today and it clicked,’ said Noren. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever played as good, especially on the greens.

‘Obviously it’s been the season of my life. My caddie helps a lot, trying to stay patient with me and trying to keep me patient and hit the right shots at the right times. I owe a lot to him, yeah.’

The Swede made six birdies on the tough front nine at Sun City, a stretch that ruined his countryman Henrik Stenson, and moved in front when 54-hole leader Jeunghun Wang double-bogeyed the eighth.

Noren wasn’t done there – he drained a 30-foot putt for eagle at the 10th and continued his charge with a birdie at the 11th. A lone drop at the 14th did little to upset the 34 year old, who birdied again at the 16th for a five-shot lead while playing the final two holes.


He enjoyed the walk home with two pars and claimed the lion’s share of $7-million on offer this week, finally winning by six strokes on 14 under par.

Louis Oosthuizen went into the final round three shots off the pace of Wang, but couldn’t buy a putt on Sunday and shot 75 for sole ninth.

Branden Grace rose instead and made one bogey all day, an unfortunate end at the 18th in an otherwise solid round. He was seven under par for the tournament, tied for third, and took a career step closer to winning the Nedbank Golf Challenge.

‘I would have liked to be third alone. Very disappointed with the three-putt on 18,’ he said. ‘But tied third is my best finish here yet, and hopefully next year I can come back and improve on that.’

SUN CITY, SOUTH AFRICA - NOVEMBER 13: Branden Grace of South Africa reacts during day four of the Nedbank Golf Challenge at Gary Player CC on November 13, 2016 in Sun City, South Africa. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)