Larrazabal edges Smith in South Africa play-off

Jordan Smith narrowly missed out on a second DP World Tour title as Pablo Larrazabal claimed play-off victory at the MyGolfLife Open in South Africa.

Smith charged into contention with a bogey-free 65 at Pecanwood Golf and Country Club, firing seven birdies in a nine-hole stretch around the turn on his way to setting the clubhouse target.

The Englishman was joined on 22 under by Adri Arnaus – who carded a final-round 67 – and Larrazabal, who held a one-shot lead until a penultimate-hole bogey took the contest to extra holes.

Arnaus was eliminated with a bogey on the first extra hole, as his two playing partners made birdie, before Larrazabal made a close-range birdie at the second play-off hole to register his first DP World Tour title since December 2019.

“This wins means a lot,” Larrazabal said. “I’ve been working so hard and I’m very happy to get it done.

“I love this place. I love good golf courses and nature, and South Africa has it all. The crowds here have been so special to me all these years.”

George Coetzee equalled the lowest round of the day with an eight-under 64, lifting the South African to fourth spot ahead of compatriot Richard Sterne, while overnight leader Henni du Plessis slipped to tied-sixth after a level-par 72.

Nacho Elvira bogeyed his final two holes to slip back into the group on 19 under that included Du Plessis and Ross Fisher, who posted a four-under 68, while Joburg Open champion Thriston Lawrence jumped into the top 10 with a closing 66.

The DP World Tour stays in South Africa for next week’s Steyn City Championship, live from Thursday on Sky Sports Golf.