BELA BELA – MJ Viljoen claimed his first HotelPlanner Tour title in dramatic fashion on Sunday, overcoming a weather delay and a late collapse to defeat Deon Germishuys in a playoff at the SDC Open at Zebula Golf Estate and Spa.
The South African started the final round one shot behind, but appeared destined for a comfortable victory when he surged three shots clear on the back nine. However, a charging Germishuys and an ill-timed weather interruption transformed the tournament’s closing stages.
Germishuys birdied two of his final four holes, carding a 67 to post the clubhouse target at 16 under par. Viljoen’s momentum evaporated following the weather delay, as he bogeyed three consecutive holes to slip one shot behind his compatriot.
Needing a birdie on the par-five 18th to force a playoff, Viljoen delivered under intense pressure, signing for a 70. He then birdied the same hole in the playoff to secure the title.
“It’s massive. I went through a lot the last two or three years,” said an emotional Viljoen.
“I had some decent starts on the HotelPlanner Tour. It’s time it happened. This opens a lot of doors for me.”
The 33-year-old acknowledged the rollercoaster nature of his final round.
“It was a lot of emotions today. I threw it away a bit after the start again, but I kept believing in myself and I brought it through. I look at the leaderboard, but I try not to react to it too much. Try to keep the mind clear and stay in the moment, and just play.”
Viljoen savoured sharing the victory with his family.
“It’s very cool. My wife flew to Johannesburg on Friday, and it’s very nice to have them here.”
The triumph marks Viljoen’s fourth Sunshine Tour victory but, crucially, his maiden HotelPlanner Tour title. The HotelPlanner Tour provides a vital pathway for South African professionals seeking to graduate onto the DP World Tour.
Jean Hugo and Maxence Giboudot shared third place on 14 under par. South Africa’s Ryan van Velzen produced a stunning closing 63, featuring a remarkable back-nine 29, to secure a top-five finish.
This event marked the first of four tournaments co-sanctioned by the Sunshine Tour and HotelPlanner Tour. The CIRCA Cape Town Open at the Royal Cape Golf Club follows this week.
