On Sunday, Veerman carded a final round of three-under-par 69 to secure a one-stroke victory at ‘Africa's Major’.

South Africa's Aldrich Potgieter shot a final round of three-over-par 75, sharing second place with Matthew Jordan of England and Romain Langasque of France.

You made South Africa ???? proud Aldrich Potgieter . ??#NGC2024 pic.twitter.com/FWl2TuuKnV

— Sunshine Tour (@Sunshine_Tour) December 8, 2024

Following his win at “Africa’s Major”, Veerman expressed his intention to return in 2025 to defend his title, describing the experience as unforgettable. “It’s surreal. I can now put on my Instagram that I’m the champion of ‘Africa’s Major’ – the fifth Major,” said Veerman.

“This is a world-class event with world-class players. This week has been amazing. There was a function almost every night, and they were great fun.

“We had fireworks, we had a dinner in the bush – it was amazing. And you didn’t just meet other golfers at the functions, but also the community behind this tournament. I’m coming back for sure.”

What an incredible 2024 Nedbank Golf Challenge! ???

Congratulations to the champion, Johannes Veerman! A huge thank you to the golfers, fans, sponsors, and staff for making Africa’s Major a success.#NGC2024 #AfricasMajor #LoveEveryMoment pic.twitter.com/FSW7PFLo6Q

— Nedbank Golf Challenge (@AfricasMajor) December 9, 2024

Veerman also revealed he had mentally prepared for a playoff against the 20-year-old Potgieter but admitted that luck played a role in his victory. “I was preparing for a playoff. I really was in the mindset that I was going to go back out there and play again. When Aldrich made bogey on 18, I was almost thunderstruck,” Veerman added.

“Aldrich is a world-class player and is going to achieve amazing things in his career. But the closing stretch of holes is so difficult out here. I knew if I could just par those, I might have a chance,” said Veerman.

The only other South Africans to finish in the top ten were Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Ockie Strydom, who shared sixth place at two-under-par.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg/mvh