Golf: Schwartzel claims maiden European Tour title

MALELANE, South Africa - South Africa's Charl Schwartzel won his maiden European Tour event in a playoff against Briton Neil Cheetham at the 2005 Dunhill Championship on Sunday.

The 20-year-old birdied the first extra hole at the par-five 18th at the par-72 Leopard Creek Country Club.

Schwartzel started the final round two strokes behind Cheetham, but carded a 71 while the Briton returned a 73 to drop into a share of the lead at eight-under par 281.

Cheetham birdied the 18th in regulation to force his way into a playoff after Schwartzel could only par the hole after reaching the island green in two strokes.

- REUTERS