Immelman keeps South African title
SOMERSET WEST, South Africa -- Defending champion Trevor Immelman shot a final round 67 to retain the South African Airways Open at Ervinvale on 12-under-par 276.
Overnight leader Anders Hansen of Denmark fell away badly over the final few holes and finished with a 76.
Alastair Forsyth of Scotland and Steve Webster of England shared second spot, three shots behind Immelman.
Immelman emulated Gary Player, who was the last man to defend the title of the second oldest open championship in the world, and Ernie Els, who was the last man to retain a title on the European Tour.
"Those guys are legends in South African sport and it is fantastic for me to have done something that they have done," said Immelman.
As Hansen struggled Immelman surged ahead with birdies at the 10th, 13th and 16th holes to give himself an unassailable four-stroke lead playing the 18th.
He was able to take a bogey at the last for his fifth professional victory and his second on the European Tour.
Scotland's Colin Montgomerie overcame a 78 in the second round to finish with two 69s. "To finish four under par with a 78 in there is pretty good and two 69s at the weekend is pleasing," he said.
Immelman credited working out in the gymnasium for giving him the win. "I employed a trainer over in the States and we have been going at it," he said.
