‘What’s just happened?’: Veerman holds off Potgieter to win the Nedbank

Phew, what’s just happened?

This was the immediate response of new Nedbank Golf Challenge champion Johannes Veerman after he fired a stunning final-round 69 to claim his second DP World Tour title in dramatic fashion at Sun City.

The 32-year-old American overturned a five-stroke deficit in a thrilling final round at Gary Player Country Club where he mixed six birdies with three bogeys to card a three-under 69 and set the clubhouse target at five-under.

Veerman won by one shot after a bogey on the 72nd hole by 20-year-old home favourite Aldrich Potgieter, meaning the wait for a first South African winner since Branden Grace in 2017 continues.

Potgieter, who took a three-shot lead into the final round, bogeyed the par-four last to finish a shot back and tied for second on -4 alongside England's Matthew Jordan and Romain Langasque of France on what turned out to be a dramatic day.

“It is surreal, I was lurking around the whole week, but for the last four to five tournaments I have played I have not got the job done,” Veerman said.

“So to come in the back nine and have a shot at it and actually walk away with the trophy is like, ‘What's just happened?’” he added, bursting into laughter.

“It is the feeling of extreme happiness and relief. I was telling myself I am going to play in the play-off.

“I was in that mindset that I was going get back out there and play again but then when he [Potgieter] made a bogey on the 18th, I was astonished I did not have to go back out there and play again.”

Veerman said he enjoyed the week in Rustenburg where the passionate crowd created a fine atmosphere despite the searing heat.

“It was an amazing week. This is the first time I am playing in the Nedbank Golf Challenge and I couldn't believe how big the grandstands are. They were actually filled with lots of people since Thursday, the crowd was amazing.”

The American joked what also helped him was that his name has a South African ring to it.

“It helps that my name is Johannes Veerman — a lot of South Africans took that very well and the atmosphere and vibe of this tournament was world class and I enjoyed every moment of it.

“It was an incredible test of patience, attitude, mentality and grit. This course tests your mental toughness. What really helped me this week was to stay in it and I am just overwhelmed that I have won this tournament.

Veerman also gave credit to his family for having supported his career.

“It means a lot to me, my family and my team. My family sacrificed so much, we had a business we sold.

“It has been a lot of work and to have it pay off like this is relieving, satisfying and all of those words.”

2024 Nedbank Golf Challenge final leader board

1. Johannes Veerman -5 (70 71 73 69)

2. Matthew Jordan -4 (69 72 71 72)

2. Aldrich Potgieter -4 (73 70 66 75)

2. Romain Langasque -4 (70 70 73 71)

5. Thorbjørn Olesen -3 (69 74 72 70)

6. Ockie Strydom -2 (67 73 74 72)

6. Julien Guerrier -2 (71 68 75 72)

6. Mackenzie Hughes -2 (71 73 70 72)

6. Christiaan Bezuidenhout -2 (70 72 72 72)

6. Francesco Laporta -2 (73 70 69 74)

6. Jordan Smith -2 (72 72 69 73)

6. Corey Conners -2 (72 76 67 71)