Saffas Abroad: Burmester celebrates best Major finish

How South Africa’s overseas contingent performed over the past week.

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The Open Championship (Major championship)

Dean Burmester claimed his best finish in a Major with a five under 67 on Saturday and a six under 66 on Sunday, taking him to 11 under and a share of 11th. The 33-year-old had made the cut at level par through 36 holes.

The highlight of his final round was an eagle on the 5th when he sunk a 55-foot putt.

“I’m really happy with the way I progressed and how comfortable I felt out there,” said Burmester, who finished nine shots behind the winner, Australian Cameron Smith. “I didn’t feel out of place. And that to me says a lot. And maybe one day I can lift one of these things.”

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Dylan Frittelli was the next-best placed South African on eight under, followed by Thriston Lawrence (six under), Garrick Higgo (five under) and Christiaan Bezuidenhout (two under).

Ernie Els, Louis Oosthuizen, Justin Harding, Zander Lombard, Shaun Norris and amateur Aldrich Potgieter all failed to make the cut.

Erik van Rooyen withdrew from the tournament before the first round due to a neck injury.

Barracuda Championship (PGA Tour)

All four South Africans – Justin Walters, Haydn Porteous, Dawie van der Walt and George Coetzee – missed the cut at Tahoe Mt Club in Truckee, California.

The tournament was won by American Chez Reavie.

Memorial Health Championship (Korn Ferry Tour)

The only South African in the field, MJ Daffue, missed the cut at Panther Creek CC in Springfield, Illinois.

American Haley Paul II won the tournament after finishing on 27 under.

Euram Bank Open (Challenge Tour)

Jacques Blaauw was the best-placed South African at GC Adamstal, Ramsau in Austria, carding a level-par 280, 10 shots behind the winner, Marc Hammer of Germany.

Jayden Schaper finished in 64th position on seven over, while Luke Jerling, Keenan Davidse, Pieter Moolman, Rupert Kaminiski and Ruan Conradie all missed the cut.

Big Green Egg Open (Ladies European Tour)

Lejan Lewthwaite ended on two over par for a share of 23rd, while Stacy Lee Bregman‘s six over had her tied for 40th.

The tournament at Rosendaelsche Golf Club in Arnhem in the Netherlands was won by Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist (seven under).

Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational (LPGA Tour)

Paula Reto and her partner Amelia Lewis (USA) finished the team event at Midland Country Club in Midland, Michigan, on 15 under par, 11 shots behind the winners, Americans Lizette Salas and Jennifer Kupcho.