George Coetzee makes home comforts count to take Tshwane Open

South African holds of fast-finishing compatriot Jacques Blaauw in Pretoria

George Coetzee of South Africa in action during his final round on the way to winning the  Tshwane Open at Pretoria Country Club  in South Africa. Photograph: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
George Coetzee of South Africa in action during his final round on the way to winning the Tshwane Open at Pretoria Country Club in South Africa. Photograph: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

South Africa's George Coetzee put home advantage to full use to win his second European Tour title in the Tshwane Open on Sunday.

Coetzee carded a flawless final round of 65 to finish one shot ahead of compatriot Jacques Blaauw at Pretoria Country Club, the course where he has been a member since taking up the game and won his first junior competition aged 10.

Blaauw had charged through the field with a stunning closing 61 to equal the course record and set the clubhouse target at 13 under par, with the final groups still having nine holes to play.

However, Coetzee, who was one of six players sharing the lead overnight, was just one behind after finishing his front nine with three birdies in four holes and picked up further shots on the back nine to seal victory.

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The decisive moment came on the 17th after Coetzee had tried to drive the green on the short par four.

His tee shot came up in the trees short and right of the green but with a clear path between two bunkers and the world number 87 took full advantage, chipping to five feet and holing for a birdie to take a one-shot lead down the last.

Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke finished in a share of 15th position after closing with a one-under round of 69 to move to five under. Michael Hoey slipped to a four-over 74 and finished the week on two over.