McElroy fifth in South Africa

Dermot McElroy finished joint fifth as all eight Irish players finished in the top 30 in South AfricaDermot McElroy finished tied for fifth as Ireland’s eight-man squad had a successful week in the South African Stroke Play Championship.

The Ballymena man hit six birdies in a five under 67 to finish on eight under with Reeve Whitson tied for 10th on three under after a superb 66 at the Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort and Spa on Friday/

The Mourne player had four birdies and an eagle three on an immaculate card, ending an excellent week for the Irish with all eight representatives in the top 30.

South Africa’s Haydn Porteous became only the third player in the history of the event to defend his title, closing with a 69 to win by two strokes on 13-under par 275.

Porteous joins Dale Hayes (1969 and 1970) and David Suddards (1978 and 1979) as the only players to have defended their national Stroke Play titles.

Compatriot Werner Ferreira took second place on 11 under with a final round of 69 with and Argentina’s Alejandro Tosti third on 10 under after a 70.

West Waterford’s Gary Hurley carded a final round 69 to share 16th with Chris Selfridge on one under with Harry Diamond (73) tied 22nd on level.

Richard O’Donovan (75) and Nicky Grant (74) were joint 25th on one over with Rory McNamara rebounding from his third round 78 with a 69 to take 29th on two over.

South Africa Golf Association report 

South African Stroke Play Championship - Final (Click here for full scoreboard)

1 Haydn Porteous Modderfontein Golf Club CGGU 69 67 70 69 275

2 Werner Ferreira Wingate Park Country Club GN 66 69 73 69 277

3 Alejandro Tosti Mitre Perez 73 67 68 70 278

4 Brady Watt  71 67 70 71 279

T5 Dermot McElroy Ballymena 74 69 70 67 280

T10 Reeve Whitson Mourne 73 73 73 66 285

T16 Gary Hurley West Waterford 73 73 72 69 287

T16 Chris Selfridge Moyola Park 72 69 75 71 287

T22 Harry Diamond Belvoir Park 71 72 72 73 288

T25 Nicky Grant Knock 70 72 73 74 289

T25 Richard O’Donovan Lucan 69 74 71 75 289

T29 Rory McNamara Headfort 74 69 78 69 290