The 26-year-old began his final round with a five shot advantage over Welshman Jamie Donaldson, who cut the deficit to two before the turn as the South African struggled to make an impact on the scoreboard at Gary Player Country Club.

But Bezuidenhout regained his form on the back nine to sign for a 69 and finish on 18 under par overall to seal his third European Tour title of the season.

“It’s unbelievable to stand here with an Open win,” Bezuidenhout said. “It’s any South African golfer’s dream to win a national tournament. It’s unreal.

“I fought hard today, the front nine things didn’t really go my way and I just dug deep to come out with a win today.

“That was massive (birdieing the tenth, 11th and 12th). I have to say, the second putt on 11 was huge and obviously the putt on 12 was a bonus, I just tried to get it close inside a couple of feet and made it.
“I knew I had to make pars coming in and I did it. I’m really, really chuffed to stand here as a winner.”

Donaldson sealed second place at 13 under, with South African Dylan Frittelli two shots back in third and compatriot Dean Burmester in fourth at ten under.

JC Ritchie birdied the last to move into solo fifth at nine under, German Marcel Siem, Hennie Du Plessis and Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent were one stroke further behind in a tie for sixth while Frenchman Julien Guerrier and Scot Connor Syme rounded off the top ten at seven and six under par respectively. European Tour