Calum Hill Triumphs in Thrilling Joburg Open Playoff
March 9, 2025
Calum Hill secured a dramatic victory at the Joburg Open, emerging victorious in a tense three-man playoff at Houghton Golf Club. The Scottish golfer delivered an outstanding final-round 62, climbing up the leaderboard to finish at 14-under par, where he was joined by Jacques Kruyswijk (66) and Shaun Norris (70), setting the stage for an intense showdown.
A Playoff to Remember
The playoff began on the par-four 18th, where all three contenders made par, keeping the competition wide open. On the second playoff hole, Norris found trouble off the tee, landing in the fairway bunker before sending his next shot into the water, resulting in a double bogey. Kruyswijk bogeyed, while Hill held steady with a par to claim his second DP World Tour title.
“I’m a bit overwhelmed,” said Hill. “I started the day quite a few shots back but managed to put together a fantastic round where a lot of putts dropped. I’m still in shock, but I’m thrilled to lift the trophy.”
Final-Round Drama
The tournament’s final stretch was filled with high-stakes moments. Overnight leader Norris saw his four-shot advantage shrink early, with back-to-back bogeys on the first two holes. As the pressure mounted, he found water on hole 12, resulting in another double bogey, allowing Hill and others to close the gap.
Meanwhile, Dylan Frittelli momentarily joined the lead, only to falter with a bogey on 15. Kruyswijk surged ahead with a birdie on 13 but gave the stroke back on 15, bringing the leaderboard into a tight race.
Hill’s decisive moment came on 18 when he hit a stunning approach that bounced off the greenside bank, leaving him just over a meter for birdie. He confidently sank the putt, setting the clubhouse target at 14 under.
Kruyswijk and Norris both answered the challenge—Kruyswijk with a birdie on 17 and Norris sinking a clutch putt on 18—to force the playoff.
“I thought I might need a couple more birdies,” Hill admitted. “But once I got into the playoff, I knew anything could happen. I’m grateful to come out on top.”
Hill’s victory marks a significant milestone in his career, adding another DP World Tour title to his name in a thrilling fashion.
