MALELANE, South Africa – Pablo Martin closed with a 3-under 69 Sunday to hang on for a one-stoke win at the Alfred Dunhill Championship.
Martin, who won for the second time on the European Tour, finished at 17-under-par 271. His other victory came at the 2007 Open de Portugal, where he made history as the first amateur to ever win a European Tour event.
‘It’s an unbelievable feeling,’ Martin exclaimed. ‘I am so happy and there was so much emotion today.’
Charl Schwartzel, playing alongside Martin in the final group, birdied the 18th hole at Leopard Creek Country Club to finish one back at minus-16. The South African shot 4-under 68 in the final round. Anders Hansen took third at 14-under-par 274 after closing with a 68 of his own.
Richard Sterne, the 2009 champion, and Dale Whitnell both matched the low round of the day as they each fired 6-under 66s to end in a share of fourth at 12-under-par 276. They were joined there by Robert Rock (69) and Gareth Maybin (71).
Sion E. Bebb eagled the 13th to get within one. After dropping a shot on the 16th, Bebb found water twice at the 18th en route to a sextuple-bogey 11. That closed a round of 3-over 75 that dropped him into a share of 17th at minus-7, where he finished alongside Ernie Els (77) and six others.