Naidoo Portrush-bound after playoff win in weather-reduced South African Open – News – Irish Golf Desk

South Africa’s Dylan Naidoo beat England’s Laurie Canter with a birdie at the first playoff hole to lift his maiden DP World Tour title after the final round of the Investec South African Open was cancelled due to heavy rain.

With the course flooded and no play possible on Monday, officials opted to reduce the event to 54 holes and allow overnight leaders Canter and Naidoo to playoff for the title at the 318-yard par-four 18th at the Durban Country Club.

Both players hit their tee shots just short of the green, but Naidoo came out on top, rolling in a three-footer for a winning birdie to clinch his place at Royal Portrush

Canter was already exempt for the season’s final major.

“I don’t know what to say, I really don’t know what to say,” said Naidoo, who earned one of three spit in The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush alongside England’s Marco Penge and compatriot Darren Fichardt.

“After a lot of really difficult times, a lot of times I thought I’d do this earlier in my career, a lot of times where… wow, I don’t know what to say.

“This is a this is a special moment for me. It’s a special moment for everybody here in Durban. It’s  overwhelming.”

Ryan Peake also qualified for Royal Portrush after securing his maiden professional victory at the New Zealand Open.