Louis Oosthuizen finished inside the top 20 in what turned out to be a quiet week for the South Africans at Shinnecock Hills, writes WADE PRETORIUS.

Oosthuizen managed his first round under par on Sunday, saving his best for last in a tough week on what appeared at times to be an almost unplayable course ― after three South Africans were out late enough on Saturday to get caught up in the drama.

The one-time Major winner missed just one fairway in the final round and hit 29 putts ― T8 for the final round ― but made just two birdies as he worked his way quietly around the New York course. The damage was done in the first three rounds as his 69 was three better than his next best; Friday’s 72.

Oosthuizen moved ahead of Branden Grace, who finished with a 75 as he failed to take advantage of the good conditions in the mould of Patrick Reed or Tommy Fleetwood. T2 in putts made on Sunday was the positive after being forced to scramble time and time again after hitting 50% of the fairways; a recipe for disaster with the thick rescue waiting to catch any errant tee shot.

The final round slip proved costly as he dropped to T25, nine places behind Oosthuizen.

Dean Burmester started his day with a birdie but dropped four shots in a row to end any chances of a low round to finish his Major debut. The big-hitting Sunshine Tour star gained shots at 10th and 12th but bogeyed his final two holes to share 56th place on +17.

Photo: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images