South African Kruyswijk wins the Magical Kenya Open

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South African Jacques Kruyswijk carded an overall 18-under 266 over 72 holes to win the Magical Kenya Open presented by Absa at the Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi on Sunday.

The 32-year-old edged England’s John Parry by two shots to claim his maiden DP World Tour title after a bogey-free performance over the four rounds.

His third round 7-under 64 in which he notched seven birdies in a flawless bogey-free round- that ensured he climbed top of the leaderboard by one shot, ahead of Englishman John Parry, was the turning point and he never looked back.

Another four birdies in the final round ensured he wrapped up the championship to become the second South African winner of this event since it became part of the DP World Tour’s.

The 32-year-old began the day with a lead of one stroke but fell behind halfway to leader Parry after five holes in the fourth round on Sunday, after the Englishman sank consecutive birdies at the fourth and fifth holes to take the lead.

But a fired up Kruyswijk birdied holes six and seven to lead by one heading to the back nine.

South African Jacques Kruyswijk. (Credit: Michael Nsubuga)

Kruyswijk executed a great bunker shot on the tenth, allowing him to make a birdie and pull ahead by two shots. However, Parry responded by making a birdie on the 12th, reducing the deficit and keeping himself in contention.

The South African appeared at ease while heading the pack, as he consistently set himself up for birdie opportunities and confidently sank his par putts.

Following Parry's wayward tee shot on the 14th, which resulted in a bogey, Kruyswijk maintained his lead with confidence, sinking a lengthy putt for another birdie on the 16th, extending his lead to three strokes before finishing with pars to claim his first victory on the DP World Tour.

Parry wrapped up in solo second place with a score of 16 under, maintaining a remarkable beginning to his season that includes one win and two runner-up finishes in three tournaments he has played in Africa this season.

Two other South Africans Deon Germishuys and Jayden Schaper finished third and fourth respectively.

The winner banked $425,000 (sh1.5b) and garnered 585 tour points for the win while Parry walked away with $275,000 (sh1.03b) and 389 points as Germishuys and Schaper pocketed sh456m and sh386m respectively.

"I'm happy that I can keep the trophy on African soil and obviously bring it back to South Africa. It makes me very proud,” Kruyswijk said.

"I'm super proud of myself with the mindset I've had this week and the way I've played this golf course. I’m happy for all the people that came out to support us this far.

“This has been one special event and I will remember it for the rest of my career. I’m really happy and honoured to be champion this year, special thanks to my caddie and I can’t thank my family, my coach enough. This is what we work for as professional sportsmen,” Kruyswijk stated.

Final leaderboard: Top 10

Jacques Kruyswijk (SA) 69 66 64 67 266

John Parry            (ENG) 63 65 72 68 268

Deon Germishuys   (SA) 68 68 67 68 271

Jayden Schaper       (SA) 64 69 73 66 272

Gregorio De Leo    (ITA) 68 71 66 68 273

Jamie Rutherford  (ENG) 66 71 69 67 273

Adrien Saddier      (FRA) 66 69 70 69 274

Jin Zihao               (CHN) 69 68 69 68 274

Berry Joshua         (ENG) 71 70 68 65 274

Freddy Schott        (GER) 67 73 70 64 274