Matthew Baldwin dominant at SDC Championship for first win

ST. FRANCIS BAY, South Africa — Matthew BaldwinHe won his first European title in style Sunday, claiming a seven-shot victory at South Africa’s SDC Championship.

Baldwin finished with a 4-under-68 on the St. Francis Links Course for 18 under overall, as his challengers fell away.

He was not under any pressure when he returned home, but Baldwin still managed to collect five birdies and one bogey in the final round to win his first victory 11 years after he earned his card for the European tour.

The Englishman lost his card in 2015 after he was ill and had to suspend his career. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed his return to the tour. He said that his long-awaited victory was dedicated his stepfather, who passed away last year.

Baldwin, 37, said that he wasn’t 100% certain what had happened. “It’s been difficult the past few years, so obviously to win means everything.

“I can’t process this right now, but I just take it as the world to me.”

Baldwin tied with Norway’s overnight leader for the lead Kristian Krogh JohannessenBoth had five holes left to play in their third rounds due to delays from high winds.

Baldwin finished his third round with three more birdies. Johannessen lost a shot and couldn’t make it up in the final round. His four birdies were cancelled by four bogeys, leaving him with an even-par 72 for 10 over and a tie for third.

Spain’s Adri ArnausHe finished second with a 5-under-67, which took him to 11 under.