Shaun Norris Stages Back Nine Comeback To Claim Steyn City Championship

In a back-and-forth final round, it was overnight leader, Shaun Norris, who came out on top to win his first DP World Tour title

Norris is sprayed by champagne
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Beginning the final day, South African, Shaun Norris, held a comfortable four shot lead as he looked to capture his first win on the DP World Tour. However, after just seven holes, the 39-year-old would see his four shot advantage disappear, as Dean Burmester overtook his fellow countryman to take the lead.

However, despite a two-over-par front nine, Norris would battle back over the final nine holes, with three birdies recapturing his lead, before a three-shot swing on the 17th more-or-less handed the title to the 39-year-old South African.

"I don't think words can describe how I am feeling right now," explained Norris. "It's been a tough journey, but having my brother on the bag, my wife here and my little girl, it's just splendid. I can't explain!

"After going bogey free on Thursday and Friday, then just one bogey on Saturday, a drop was bound to happen at some point, that's golf. But we kept patient and kept our heads together and everything began to fall into place."

Norris with his family

Norris celebrates with his family after his Steyn City Championship win

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Following three rounds of 64, 62 and 67, Norris started with a commanding four shot lead. Over the first few holes though, the South African may have thought it wasn't going to be his day, with some bad luck being capitalised on by his nearest rival, Burmester.

Following a chip-in at the seventh, 32-year-old, Burmester, closed out his front nine with two pars as he took a one shot lead into the back nine. For Norris though, he wouldn't give up, with three birdies over his first seven holes on the back putting him into a share with his fellow countryman.

With a thrilling finish in store, the momentum was soon back in Norris' favour, with the South African producing a classy approach on the 17th to leave himself a short birdie putt. 

Burmester meanwhile, was having a slight disaster on the par-4, with his first chip rolling off the front of the green. From there, his next was then rammed by the hole, with his putt for bogey being pushed to the right. 

Norris is welcomed on to the green

Burmester welcomes Norris on to the 18th green

(Image credit: Getty Images)

With Burmester's double-bogey, Norris would capitalise as he rolled in his birdie putt.

Greeted with a three shot advantage heading down the last, the South African would produce two big blows before a solid two-putt handed Norris his first DP World Tour title, and a three-shot victory that will put him just outside the world's top-50.

"It's beautiful to win this in front of the home crowd and in front of my family," said Norris. "This win is massive. I kept going and putting my foot down and I said to my brother it has got to go our way. If we keep playing quality golf, it should work out."

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.


Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.


Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x