Star Metro - 'Indescribable' European Tour win for American Veerman

South African Aldrich Potgieter needed a final-hole par to force a play-off in a tense finish at the Gary Player Country Club 170 kilometres (105 miles) northwest of Johannesburg.

But the 20-year-old, who took a three-shot lead into the final round, needed three shots to reach the green, then two-putted for a bogey five.

Playing ahead of Potgieter, Veerman finished on five-under 283, one stroke head of Potgieter (75), Matthew Jordan (72) of England and Romain Langasque (71) from France.

Veerman, who was at the practice ground preparing for a possible play-off, battled to hold back tears when informed he was the champion, succeeding fellow American Max Homa.

"This win is indescribable. I have struggled for two seasons despite making huge sacrifices and now this happens," he told reporters.

"Although trailing Aldrich by several shots entering the final round, I believed I had a chance. But that is what I have often felt in recent seasons only to finish well down the field."

Ranked 209 in the world, Veerman believed his birdie four at 14 in 36 Celsius (96 Fahrenheit) heat was a key factor in his success.

"I did great to get up and down in two after my drive and approach shots," added the 32-year-old native of Orange County in California.

It was the second European Tour triumph for Veerman after the 2021 Czech Masters by two strokes.

W.Fortin--SMC