January 11, 2015 – Andy Sullivan snatched the South African Open Championship from Charl Schwartzel after a dramatic play-off, in what is the first win for Ping G30s in 2015.
Sullivan fired a remarkable approach from the trees to 12 feet at the first extra hole and sank the putt to secure his first European Tour win. Schwartzel took a five shot lead into the final round at Glendower Golf Club and still led by four with five holes to play.
However, the former Masters Tournament champion then failed to get up and down from a plugged lie in a greenside bunker on the 14th and three-putted the 16th to run up a double bogey six, before a poor tee shot on the 17th led to another bogey and left him tied with Sullivan on 11 under par.
The players returned to the 18th for a sudden-death play-off and, after both had missed the fairway, Sullivan produced a stunning recovery for a winning birdie. The English player has a golf bag full of Ping equipment, including the G30 driver, fairway wood and hybrid golf clubs.
“It’s unbelievable,”Andy Sullivan said during the trophy presentation. “After Saturday I didn’t think I stood much of a chance with Charl getting ahead that far.
“I just dug in there yesterday and today and found myself in a position where I had a chance to win. My caddie said over the last few holes ‘no regrets’ and I’ve definitely got no regrets over the last few holes, especially that play-off hole.
“Charl has won Major Championships; my caddie said ‘expect him to hole’ (his third shot) and he nearly did. I was delighted just to hit the green and have a chance to win and I’m just glad I took it.”
What’s in Andy Sullivan’s golf bag?
- Driver: Ping G30 (9º, Voodoo XVS6 shaft)
- Fairway Wood: Ping G30 (15º)
- Hybrid: Ping G30 (19º)
- Irons: Ping S55 (3-9)
- Wedges: Ping Prototype (47º, 54º, 60º)
- Putter: Ping Scottsdale TR Anser 2