England’s Esme Hamilton holds nerve to win South African Open

Esme Hamilton held off a challenge from fellow Englishwoman Cara Gainer to win her first European Tour title at the South African Open.

Hamilton started the day as joint leader with Slovenia’s Pia Babnik and stayed the course to finish two shots clear of Gainer.

The 26-year-old endured a difficult front nine, picking up a bogey on the third and a double bogey on the ninth, but settled on the home straight to end the day with a two-under-par 71.

It is the first time Hamilton has laid her hands on European Tour silverware, at the 22nd attempt.

Prior to this week’s event in Cape Town, Hamilton had only managed two top-10 finishes.

Gainer, 30, went into the final round in third place, and a shot adrift of the clubhouse leaders, but a one-under par 72 meant she fell just short.