Grace Celebrates Back-to-Back European Titles

Grace Celebrates Back-to-Back European Titles

Branden Grace won his second successive title after he held his nerve to see off fellow South Africans Ernie Els and Retief Goosen in a play-off at the Volvo Golf Champions.

 

The 23-year-old won his maiden European tour title at the Joburg Open last week, but failed to win at Fancourt in regulation after missing a five-foot putt.

 

However, it did not affect him when he went into the playoff and he calmly birdied the 18th at the second time of asking to beat Els and Goosen at the first extra hole.

 

Form going into the playoff seemed to have favoured Els, who posted the round of the day with a 67 that produced six birdies and an eagle and took the lead into the clubhouse with 12-under par.

 

Goosen then played himself into contention as he picked up five shots from his final six holes to match Els. The two major champions then watched on as Grace and playing partner Nicolas Colsaerts, in the final group, played the final par five both 12-under.

 

It looked like Grace had done enough after his well-weighted chip left him with a five-foot putt for birdie, but he pulled it just wide to create a three-way playoff.

 

Grace, who was at qualifying school a month ago, becomes the first player since Fred Couples in 1995 to follow up his maiden European tour win with another title.

 

"I'm really ecstatic," said Grace after his two-putt birdie at the first extra hole. "It's a dream come to win such a big event - pretty much the best tournament I've played in so far."