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

Esme Hamilton overcame the challenge of fellow Brit Cara Gainer to win her first European Tour title at the South African Open.

Hamilton started the day as joint leader with Slovenian Pia Babnik and finished the course two shots ahead of Gainer.

The 26-year-old endured a tough front nine, making a bogey on the third and a double bogey on the ninth, but settled straight for home and finished the day at two-under 71.

Hamilton claimed European Tour silverware for the first time at his 22nd attempt.

Before this week’s race in Cape Town, Hamilton had only managed two top-10 finishes.

The 30-year-old Gainer went into the final round in third place, one point behind the club leaders, but finished with a 72-under par.