Alfred Dunhill Championship to Jayden Schaper

Shaun Norris went one step closer to repeating himself. Last season the 43-year-old South African had completed an extraordinary comeback in the final round to win the Alfred Dunhill Championship. Again this Sunday, despite starting outside the top 15 after the cut, he posted the best score of the day with a 62 embellished with an eagle, seven birdies and a bogey, rising to the top of the 2025 edition with an overall score of -16. The tournament was shortened to 54 holes due to adverse weather conditions.

On returning to the clubhouse, however, Norris was joined by compatriot Jayden Schaper, who had already taken the lead with a second-place finish the previous week. The 24-year-old, after a third round experienced between difficulties and missed opportunities, shifted gears in the final round by stringing three birdies between holes 14 and 17, closing in 67 strokes and gaining access to the play-off. On the return on 18, the Benoni golfer ended up in the bunker, but then pulled off a classy approach, stopping the ball just short of the flag.

Schaper confirmed the nickname of “Clutch” by crashing straight from the fringe of the green the decisive shot, which gave him his first title on the DP World Tour. “The last few weeks I have been really close. Winning today is a dream come true” he commented movingly. With great sportsmanship, Norris paid tribute to the winner, finishing in second place.