South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen Wins Perth International

South African golfer Louis Oosthuizen overcame a less than fabulous start to his final round yesterday to win the Perth International by one stroke for an eighth European Tour title, in an event also sanctioned by the Tour of Australasia.

This was his first tournament appearance in Australia, and his first tournament win in two years!

The 2010 Open Championship winner went into the final round with a three-stroke lead…but it was briefly reduced to one after a bogey at the second. He went clear again after birdies at the 7th and 8th and managed to stay ahead for the rest of the round, to complete it in a one-under-par 71 for a 16-under 272. France’s Alexander Levy finished second, with Australia’s Jason Scrivener a stroke further back in third.

Speaking after his win, the South African father of three admitted he had been disturbed by his shaky start.

“I missed the second and third greens and was a little rattled after that,” he told reporters. “But I settled in nicely and got back to hitting greens and giving myself opportunities. Then I had a good stretch from holes seven through to 12, although I did leave myself with a vicious first putt on the last [from 50 feet] but luckily I had three so could afford the bogey.”

“It’s great to be back in the winning circle,” said Oosthuizen, who is ranked at number 21 in the world.

“I always say it’s great to be nervous with three holes to go in a tournament because it means you’re up there somewhere, you have a chance of winning it. That’s what we do all the hard work for, to try to get into that position. This is a very special win for me.”