Willett ruins Donald's birthday with Sun City win

07 December 2014 05:01

Danny Willett claimed his second career European Tour title with a convincing four-shot victory in the Nedbank Golf Challenge on Sunday as overnight leader Luke Donald saw his 37th birthday turn sour.

Willett, 27, fired a final round six under par 66 at the Gary Player Country Club to add the Sun City title to his only previous triumph at the BMW International Open in 2012.

He followed up his 65 on Saturday with another dominant display on Sunday which featured six birdies to finish the tournament on 18 under.

Willett edged out playing partners Ross Fisher, who won the Tshwane Open in South Africa earlier this year, and former world number one Donald.

Fisher had seven birdies and three bogeys in a four under par 68 to finish two shots ahead of Donald.

"South Africa is a place that's suited me in the past. I've played good golf down here, love the place, love the people, everything about it is great. It's been a truly fun test of golf," said Willett.

Donald failed to mark his 37th birthday with his first victory since the BMW PGA Championship in 2012 following a frustrating one over par 73.

"There were a lot of positives. It's nice to put myself back in position. I could have played a bit better but I still would have had to shoot five under just to tie with Danny," said Donald.

"He played really focused golf today and hats off, he's a deserved winner."

German Marcel Siem sat three shots behind third placed Donald on nine under after matching his opening round 68 while Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat was two further back.

Source: AFP