Nelson Mandela Championship

Emotional home victory for Van der Walt

ESPN staff

December 14, 2013

Dawie van der Walt won the second European Tour event of his career © Getty Images

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Dawie van der Walt clinched the second European Tour event win of his career after triumphing on home soil at the Nelson Mandela Championship.

The 30-year-old hit a four-under 66 to claim victory by two shots on 15-under over Matthew Baldwin and Jorge Campillo. With rain disrupting play throughout the tournament, it was reduced to 54 holes, and on the day before the former president Mandela's funeral, it was an emotional win for South African Van der Walt.

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Van der Walt secured his maiden European Tour win back in March at the Tshwane Open, but after suffering injuries and dipping in form, he had only made one cut since that win.

But an eagle on the 12th hole, as well as birdies on the 13th and 15th, saw Van der Walt take control at the top of the leaderboard, and finish the event strongly.

"It's obviously really special, making you a part of history," Van der Walt said.

"Winning the Nelson Mandela at this time, when it's sad for everyone, everyone is mourning and tomorrow's the big day, it means a lot and it's something I can keep close to my heart forever.

"I haven't been in that good form, I've been struggling with an injury, so this is almost overwhelming. To win the last event of the year is going to make Christmas a lot more fun."

The overnight leader, Englishman Daniel Brooks, carded a woeful 76 to fall to a tie for 11th.

Jorge Campillo and Colin Nel, who on Friday carded the European Tour's first 59s - albeit unofficially - had mixed final rounds, carding 68 and 71 to finish in second and 40th respectively.

The Nelson Mandela Championship final leaderboard