Germishuys delivers under pressure to snatch Stella Artois title

Deon Germishuys produced a stunning final round comeback before firing a decisive approach to win the Stella Artois Players Championship at Glendower Golf Club, beating rookie Cole Stevens in a playoff after both finished on 19 under par.

Prescience Media

Photo Credit: Vlismas Media

Deon Germishuys overcame his own doubts about playoffs to claim his fourth Sunshine Tour title, producing a moment of brilliance when it mattered most at the Stella Artois Players Championship on Sunday.

The South African started the final round five shots behind overnight leader Cole Stevens but carded a four under par 68 to finish on 19 under, level with the American, who returned a 73. Their four round totals of 269 took the contest into a playoff, with Jonathan Broomhead also in contention for much of the closing stretch before finishing third on 18 under.

Germishuys settled the contest on the first playoff hole with an exceptional second shot on the 18th. His approach finished less than half a metre from the cup, leaving him a simple birdie putt. Stevens could only make par, handing Germishuys the title.

It was a particularly satisfying victory for a player who admitted he had little confidence in his record in sudden death.

“I don’t have a very good record in playoffs,” Germishuys said. “I’ve lost in one earlier this year so I wasn’t very positive going into this playoff. It’s very surreal. I can’t really explain it to anyone.”

The winning shot, however, was one he recognised immediately.

“As soon as the ball came off the clubface I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do but you never know as the wind swirls here on the 18th hole. When I saw it pitch and spin back to the hole it was just a lot of relief.”

Germishuys said patience and a strong putting performance had helped him fight his way back into contention during the final round.

“Overall I played the back nine nicely and fought hard, my putter was also quite hot and that helped. I just stuck to the basics, stayed patient and got the deal done.”

The win comes almost a year after Germishuys lifted the South African PGA Championship trophy and provides a timely boost after a challenging season.

“It feels great. I’m very happy as it came a lot quicker than I thought. Up until now it was a tough year and it wasn’t easy out there. I am glad I could get it done,” he said.

Stevens strengthens Rookie of the Year bid

Although Stevens missed out on a maiden Sunshine Tour victory, his runner up finish capped another impressive week in a standout debut season.

The American began Sunday with the lead after rounds of 62, 70 and 64, but his final round of 73 allowed Germishuys to close the gap and force a playoff. Stevens nevertheless took over the top position in the Fortress Rookie of the Year standings and moved into fifth place on the Courier Guy Order of Merit.

His season has already included two runner up finishes and a third place, underlining his consistency as he continues to establish himself on tour.

Broomhead finished alone in third on 18 under par after a closing 67, earning his fourth top five finish of the season. Luke Brown was fourth on 16 under, with Herman Loubser fifth on 15 under after signing for a closing 65.

The Stella Artois Players Championship was played at Glendower Golf Club from 22 to 25 October, with Germishuys emerging from a tightly contested leaderboard to claim the spoils.

Brett Whitehouse received the medallion awarded to the winning caddie after helping Germishuys navigate the pressure of the final round and playoff.

For Germishuys, the result was more than another trophy. It was a comeback built on patience, composure and one outstanding approach shot when the championship was on the line.