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Hugo wins at wet Arabella

Kleinmond - Jean Hugo entrenched his status as the most successful golfer in the 11-year history of the Vodacom Origins of Golf presented by Samsung when he won the Western Cape tournament at Arabella Golf Club on Friday.

It was Hugo’s ninth victory on this series, and arguably the most satisfying as he battled through the wind and rain in a tournament reduced to 36 holes because of the weather.

After finishing off his incomplete first round early on Friday morning for a 68, Hugo signed off his second round with a 69 to win on seven under par.

He finished one clear of rookie Rhys West, with Ulrich van den Berg, Trevor Fisher jnr, Chris Swanepoel and Adilson da Silva all ending the week on five under.

“I knew it was going to be tough, especially with having to finish nine holes in the morning as well. Putting was the most difficult because you couldn’t concentrate with the rain and the wind,” Hugo said.

He finished off his second round with three birdies in his final eight holes, including one on 18.

“I saw Rhys West was on six under in the clubhouse. I hung in there well on 14, 15, 16 and 17 for pars, then on 18 I hit two iron off the tee then four iron to set myself up for a good sand wedge to five feet and made the putt.”

And there was certainly no sense of disappointment at having won over 36 holes.

“That doesn’t take anything away from this for me. It felt like a marathon out there, but you have to just refocus. I’m not a fan of these conditions, but it’s the same for everybody. So to have knuckled down and be three under for the last eight holes to win a tournament is good stuff in my book.”

This is the 15th victory of Hugo’s Sunshine Tour career, and one he admits took a little longer than he would’ve liked.

“I’ve been a bit stuck for some time. I’ve had a few chances this year as well, so it’s nice to get off 14 wins.”

And once again, he’ll be the favourite when the series travels to St Francis Links next week for the third tournament this year.

“I feel like I’m playing well so I’m looking forward to next week. I’ve always liked this series because we go to great courses, and it’s not hard to get motivated for that.”

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