Lee-Anne Pace birdied the second extra hole in a sudden death play-off against Holly Clyburn to claim her ninth Ladies European Tour victory in a dramatic finish to the Cell C South African Women’s Open. 

Playing in front of a home crowd in the third last group, the 33-year-old birdied the 18th in a final round of five-under-par 67 to set the clubhouse target. 

She then waited before Clyburn, playing in the last group, sealed her round of 70 to tie at five-under-par. 

After the players returned to the 351-yard par-4 18th hole, they both narrowly missed birdie putts from around 10 feet at the first extra hole and returned to the 18th tee. 

On the second play-off hole, Clyburn hit her second shot heavy and her ball found the water short of the green and took six to get down, whereas from 94 yards, Pace used her 52 degree wedge to hit her ball three feet from the hole. 

“I’ve always wanted to win this tournament. It was definitely one of my goals this year, so to do it today in front of so many lovely people supporting me was just a dream come true,” Pace said.

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James Savage

Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.

Handicap: 17

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