SUN CITY - Robert Allenby became the first Australian to win the Sun City Challenge after beating Sweden's Henrik Stenson on the third playoff hole today.
Allenby shot a final round one-under 71 to force a playoff with Stenson (69) at the Gary Player Country Club after both finished at 11-under 277 for the tournament.
The Australian picked up a US$1,200,000 ($1.67 million) winner cheque for winning the event, which is not tied to any of the major tours.
Allenby made the 18th green in regulation for the first time in seven attempts, parred the 18th on the final playoff hole after Stenson went through the green and then chipped 25 feet past the pin.
"I thought we were going to be there all night," Allenby said.
"But I'm proud to be the first Australian to win this title, and I knew once Henrik pushed his approach out right, I had a chance if I could hit the green in regulation."
Retief Goosen, who led the tournament heading into the final round, shot three-over 75 and finished in fifth place in the 12-man field.
Tim Clark (69) and Ross Fisher (70) shared third, with Masters champion Angel Cabrera (75) taking sixth.
- AAP, AP
Golf: Big pay day for Allenby
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