Albert Venter shrugged off stiff challenge from fellow South Africans Stefan Wears-Taylor and Louis Albertse in a two-round sudden-death play-off to be crowned the 2022 FBC Zimbabwe Open champion pocketing R317 000 for his efforts.
All the three players had finished on 10-under-par for the tournament on a dramatic final day.
There was more drama to follow as the three players parred the first round of the sudden death play-off.
Venter held his nerves by putting for birdie in the second round of the sudden death play-off, which proved much enough to his father’s delight, who had followed him all afternoon.
The Pretoria based professional golfer had started five shots off overnight leader Luca Filippi.
For the 26-year-old Venter, it was a deserved victory, having made his Zimbabwe Open debut in the pre-qualifying round in 2017 and failed to qualify for the tournament. More importantly, it was his first Sunshine Tour victory.
“This is not my first time to Zimbabwe, I came for the pre-qualifier for Zimbabwe Open, and obviously, that wasn’t successful. I ended up going after the pre-qualifier.
“Coming back and doing what I did makes it more special. Zimbabwe is really a nice place close to South Africa. I can’t thank the people of Zimbabwe enough for coming and supporting the tour.
He missed a birdie on the 18th hole, which could have made him the winner avoiding the play-off, but he was still humble in victory.
“There are nerves involved, especially when looking for your first win. Stefan and Louis are good players, and everyone is trying to win, but it’s a tough tour.”
Filippi finished in 7th after carding 6-under-for the tournament.
