The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsMarc Leishman has come out on top to win the Nedbank Golf Challenge. The victory has seen the Australian climb up the world rankings to occupy the number 26 spot.
Leishman was consistent throughout the tournament. After making scores of four-under-par in his first two rounds, Leishman went round the course in 66 shots in his third round, putting him at 14-under-par for the tournament. In his final round the Australian kept his composure and ended with a round of five-under-par, winning the tournament with a score of 19-under-par.
Henrik Stenson finished in second place, although he finished six shots behind Leishman on 13-under-par. Despite starting the tournament well, Stenson was unable to keep up the pressure on Leishman and faded away in his final two rounds, scoring two-under-par in his third round and level par in his final round.
Ryder Cup hopeful Chris Wood and Victor Dubuisson both had good tournaments, with Wood finishing third on nine-under-par and Frenchman Dubuisson finishing on eight-under-par. South African Branden Grace also finished on eight-under, along with Danny Willett.
Several big name golfers had a less successful tournament. Martin Kaymer, the former world number one, finished the tournament on two-over-par, while Irishman Shane Lowry also finished on two-under. Lee Westwood had a nightmare time, finishing on 12-over-par. Westwood went round the course in 81 shots in his second round, which left him as nine-over-par at the halfway stage. Although he somewhat recovered in his final two rounds, he still finished the tournament third from last.
While Westwood struggled, Leishman looked assured throughout the tournament and deserved his victory. He became the first Australian to win the event since Robert Allenby in 2009.
