South Africa’s Dylan Naidoo claimed his first DP World Tour victory at the Investec South African Open Championship, held at the iconic Durban Country Club. The final round was canceled due to heavy rain, making the 54-hole scores official, with Naidoo securing the title after a dramatic playoff against England’s Laurie Canter.

Naidoo, who delivered a remarkable second-round 61, finished at 14-under-par 202 alongside Canter. With the course conditions preventing a final round, the championship was decided in a sudden-death playoff, where Naidoo held his nerve to emerge victorious.

One of the standout performers of the week was Christiaan Maas, the only amateur to make the cut. The young South African tied for fourth place at 12-under, earning him the prestigious Freddie Tait Cup as the tournament’s best amateur.

The event also saw a rare feat from England’s Dale Whitnell, who achieved two holes-in-one during his second round. Whitnell aced the par-3 second hole with a seven-iron and repeated the extraordinary feat on the par-3 12th using a wedge, capping off a stunning round of 63.

Returning to Durban Country Club for the first time in 15 years, the tournament was highly anticipated. Despite weather challenges, the course provided an exciting test for players, with its recent renovations adding to the spectacle.

While the rain-shortened event altered the final day’s plans, it did not dampen the thrilling competition. With this victory, Naidoo’s career takes a significant leap forward, marking him as one of South Africa’s emerging golf stars.