European Challenge Tour Member McLardy went into the final round with a seven-stroke lead and had to weather a strong charge from Oosthuizen before signing off a successful season with a final round of 72 to win on 273, 15 under par.

Oosthuizen, who gained his European Tour Membership through the Qualifying School last November, finished second on 12 under par with a final round of 66. McLardy’s victory earns him a place in the World Golf Championships - NEC Invitational, but he was unable to overtake fellow countryman, Darren Fichardt, who edged him into second place on the Sunshine Tour final Order of Merit.

However, by finishing second to Fichardt, the current Qatar Masters champion, McLardy earns a place in the dunhill links championship on The European Tour and the World Golf Championships - American Express Championship at the Mount Juliet Conrad, Ireland, in October.

The win is a massive boost for McLardy’s confidence, which took a knock when he gained and then lost playing privileges on both The European Tour and US PGA Tour early in his career.

“I achieved that early in my career and then lost them both, so my confidence took a big whack. I thought I couldn’t compete at that level. But hopefully with a bit more experience and being a bit older we can get there again and stay there,” he said.




Courtesy of www.europeantour.com