SUN CITY– The ardent fan of F1 Kristoffer Reitan, won his first Nedbank Golf Challenge on Sunday afternoon, at Sun City Gary Player Golf Course.
The Norwegian took a five-stroke lead into the final round and withstood strong challenges from South Africa’s Jayden Schaper and England’s Dan Bradbury to win by a single stroke on 17 under par with a closing 72.
Reitan (27) featuring in the NGC, is the first Norwegian to win the bragging rights, as the packed course clapped for him, amidst the soaring heat. The Gods’ of weather only decided after the game that rain came hard.
“It feels amazing. This is an amazing tournament, an incredible golf course and a great crowd.
To win such a huge tournament like this with all the names on this trophy, and to stand alongside Gary Player, I feel very lucky,” Reitan, said after the second DP World Tour victory of his career which now ties him with fellow countryman Viktor Hovland as the Norwegian player with the most wins on the DP World Tour.
The legend himself Gary Player, who was in the company of another great Ernie Els, congratulated the winner on the greens, as they both praised the youngster for a sterling work, considering this was his debut in this prestigious tournament.
Reitan continued: “But the pressure was excruciating at times, and I also didn’t do myself any favours with some of the positions I put myself in. I’m happy to get it over the line.
My swing wasn’t cooperating today (Sunday) which meant it was a 100% mental battle out there. It’s really hard to win a golf tournament and I’m just really happy.”
“I was nervous over the approach into 18. I’m just happy I didn’t take too long over that approach – I saw the target and hit the shot and was very happy with it,” remarked the winner, who loves fast cars and the F1, favourites being Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.
“It was my first time playing this event, and watching it on TV you envision yourself having that chance to win. It’s been one of the best weeks I’ve had. This is such a cool event and I just loved it out there,” he said.
Since the tee-off on Thursday, my colleague Jacob Mawela and other international media covering the NGC, remarked Reitan’s performance and resilience from the beginning.
The last SA to win ‘Africa’s Major’ was in 2017- eish we need to pull up our socks…
Image supplied (The legend himself Gary Player sharing a moment with the winner NGC winner Kristoffer Reitan, on Sunday afternoon, at Sun City Gary Player Golf Course).
