The 21-year-old Nienaber jumped 47 places in the rankings to 131st.

This comes after making his professional debut just a year and a half ago.

Following his win on the Montagu course at Fancourt, Nienaber, said his maiden Sunshine and European Challenge Tour win was somewhat bittersweet.

“I’m a very family-orientated guy. We have a very close bond in our family. A lot of this is thanks to them that I was able to win today. It’s crazy how much they have supported me,”

The big-hitting Nienaber added that he needs to start playing on the European Tour again in order to try and earn qualifications into the majors.

“It’s great having a Challenge Tour card, but that’s not the goal. I need to start playing on the European Tour again and hopefully get into a few Majors next year.”

Nienaber has earned an entry into this weeks’ Range Servant Challenge in Malmö, Sweden.

@Morgan Piek OFM Sport