Grace notches first European Tour win

Golf Betting Lines

01/15/2012 - Johannesburg, South Africa (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Branden Grace took a three-shot lead into Sunday's final round and fired an even-par 72 to hold off Jamie Elson and win the Joburg Open.

Grace played a total of 21 holes on Sunday at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club after weather delays forced a change in schedule. He entered the day tied with Richard Finch, who had four holes remaining in the third round, but closed with two birdies to set up a significant advantage.

Finch, meanwhile, shot a one-over over the last three holes and was tied with George Coetzee after 54 holes in second at 14-under. With a three-shot lead over the pair, Grace was able to shoot an even-par down the stretch for a 17- under 270 and his first European Tour title.

Grace avoided any serious mistakes over the back nine -- all pars -- to deny Elson a miracle comeback. Elson entered the final round 10 strokes off the lead, but whittled it to one with a closing eagle at the par-five 18th. Elson waited in the clubhouse for a potential playoff, but Grace never flinched.

Elson, who tied the East Course record of nine-under 63 set by Charl Schwartzel, finished second at 16-under 271 overall. David Drysdale (67), Marc Warren (68), Jaco Van Zyl (68), Trevor Fisher, Jr. (68), Dawie Van Der Walt (70) and Michiel Bothma (71) shared third at 14-under.

Both Finch (78) and Coetzee (75) tailed off over the final 18 holes, finishing 24th and 14th, respectively. Neither was a factor in the final outcome.

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To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your bet on boxing needs.