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Oosthuizen claims victory at his home Open in Johannesburg

Oosthuizen claims victory at his home Open in Johannesburg
© Reuters
The 2010 Open champion finished six shots clear of Frenchman Romain Langasque.

Home favourite Louis Oosthuizen hailed a "perfect" victory after he claimed the South African Open title for the first time.

An emotional Oosthuizen held back tears on the 18th green having powered to an emphatic six-shot success in Johannesburg.

The 2010 Open champion carded an eagle, five birdies and three bogeys on Sunday to sign for a closing 67 and finish the week on 18 under par.

He joins Bobby Locke, Gary Player, Bob Charles, Ernie Els and Henrik Stenson on the list of players to win both the Open and South African Open.

"I wish the family was here," Oosthuizen told the European Tour website.

"I knew today was either going to be very special or heartbreaking.

"I know there are only a few that have won the Open and the SA Open so I'm very chuffed to have my name on this.

"This feels very special. This is perfect."

Frenchman Romain Langasque was Oosthuizen's nearest challenger on 12 under courtesy of his final-round 66 on the Firethorn Course at Randpark Golf Club.

Charl Schwartzel, who won the Masters in 2011, finished in a tie for third on
10 under alongside fellow South Africans Thomas Aiken and Bryce Easton, and England's Oliver Wilson.

Oosthuizen entered the final day with a three-stroke lead but a shaky start saw that advantage cut to a single shot in the early stages of his fourth round.

He responded in style, though, reeling off four birdies in six holes from the
fourth before covering the back nine in 34 shots to ease to victory.

"We had a tough start today and my caddie just told me, 'you're swinging it well, just go for it'," added the 36-year-old.

"I just got back to basics, to try and hit fairways and greens. I know I'm putting well, I just needed to give myself putting opportunities for birdie.

"The crowd was great this whole week, it was nice to do it for them."

Victory for Oosthuizen was his first since the 2016 ISPS HANDA Perth International.

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