The 38-year-old Larrazábal beat his countryman, Adri Arnaus, and England's Jordan Smith, on a play-off after the trio signed their cards on 22-under-par for the tournament.

George Coetzee was the leading South African in the field with 21-under-par to finish in fourth, while Richard Sterne finished a further stroke back on 20-under-par.

Larrazábal said the crowd game him energy when he needed it.

“I knew from the moment I first came here that there is something very special about this country, and it’s the people,” said Larrazabal.

“What a day. I felt great this morning. It was one of those days where you just feel great and you know you’re going to have a chance. I started fast to get into the lead very quick.”

“I had that bogey on 17 which I wasn’t expecting. But then in the playoff, when Adri hit it so close on the first playoff hole, I knew we had to attack.

“This win means a lot. I’ve been working so hard and I’m very happy to get it done. I love this place. I love good golf courses and nature, and South Africa has it all. The crowds here have been so special to me all these years. The South African crowd is always so good to me.”

This week it’s the inaugural Steyn City Championship at Steyn City.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport