Max Homa Gets First International Victory with Win in South Africa

Homa finished in grand style, clinching the win with birdies on the 15^th and 16^th holes, making a 38-foot putt on the 16^th to mount an insurmountable lead.

"It's kind of what you dream of. You want to be in the fight, and it was just fun to kind of close it out at the end," he said. "It was one of those weeks the ball wanted to go in when it needed to go in."

Homa finished the round with six birdies, one eagle and two bogeys, and he led or was tied for the lead after each of the four rounds.

He takes home the winner’s check for $1,025,000, and he did it after the longest layoff of his career.

Homa hadn't played competitive golf since Oct. 1 at the Ryder Cup in Italy, where he was the highest scoring American with 3½ points. His last stroke-play event had been the Fortinet Championship in mid-September.

"It's just been tremendous to get to travel to a new place, meet so amazing people," Homa said. "The fans have been amazing; everyone has been so welcoming and kind. To be granted the opportunity to even be here, I was truly grateful for, but to come out with a trophy is just cherry on top."

Homa, who is No. 8 in the world rankings, was invited to this event along with Justin Thomas, who finished in fourth place at 12 under for the tournament after shooting 66 on Sunday.