Otto hangs on for SA Open title

Gauteny, South Africa – Hennie Otto overcame a near nine breakdown Sunday with a birdie at No. 17 to win the South African Open Championship.

Otto lost a three-shot cushion when he tallied three bogeys in a four-hole span from the 13th. That dropped Otto into a tie for the lead with Bernd Wiesberger at 13-under par.

With Wiesberger in the clubhouse, Otto had two holes left to inch ahead. He did just that with a birdie at the 17th. Otto parred the last to hold on to win his national championship at Serengeti Golf Club.

Otto posted only an even-par 72 to finish at 14-under 274. That was good for the one-stroke victory over Wiesberger, who carded a four-under 68 Sunday for the runner-up finish.

The win was Otto's second on the European Tour. He captured the 2008 Italian Open, but is now a multiple winner on tour.

Richard McEvoy (68), Ockie Strydom (69) and Thomas Aiken (72) tied for third place at 11-under 277.

Two-time winner Retief Goosen never mounted a charge on Sunday. He managed a one-over 73 and shared sixth with Magnus A. Carlsson (73) and Trevor Fisher, Jr. (68) at minus-10.

Defending champion and five-time titlist Ernie Els struggled to a seven-over 79 and tied for 69th.

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