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Janko van der Merwe: Image Credit - Central Gauteng Golf Union

JANKO van der Merwe returned to the winners’ circle following a play-off victory over Nicko Venter at the Bobby Locke Invitational held at Parkview Golf Club in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Thursday.

Van der Merwe produced a stellar closing two-under-par 70 to force a play-off, finishing tied with Venter on three-under-par 213 after 54 holes of regulation play.

The eventual champion opened the tournament with a two-under-par 70, which left him tied for fifth and two shots off the lead held by Gareth Clements. His opening round featured three birdies, on holes six, eight and 14, and a bogey on the 10th. Although he carded a one-over-par 73 in the second round, Van der Merwe moved up the leaderboard into a tie for second place, four shots behind Venter, who led on five-under-par 139. Van der Merwe’s second round included five birdies, four bogeys and a double bogey. Going into the final round on one-under-par 143, Van der Merwe’s closing 70 comprised four birdies, on holes six, 12, 14 and 15, and bogeys on seven and 10.

Overnight leader Venter, who held a four-shot advantage heading into the final round, closed with a two-over-par 74, having earlier posted rounds of 69 and 70. Dian Kruger finished third on one-under-par 215 with rounds of 75, 71 and 69.