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Cape Town - South Africa's Richard Sterne was delighted with his thrilling finish in the final round of the Abu Dhabi Championship this past weekend.
Sterne and Irishman Shane Lowry went toe-to-toe on Saturday, which saw Lowry win his first title since 2015.
READ: Lowry edges Sterne in see-saw Abu Dhabi battle
Sterne, who failed to win for the first time in over five years, closed with a final round of three-under 69 to finish on 17-under for the tournament - one shot adrift from Lowry.
"I'm just glad that I gave a good performance this week with a strong field," Sterne said after his final round.
"It's been a while since I've had a decent tournament, so I'm pretty happy with the way I performed. Thanks to Abu Dhabi and HSBC for putting on a magnificent event, and Rolex, as well. I appreciate it."
Sterne pocketed a cool €682 793 (R10 million) for his efforts and jumped to second on the European Tour's Race to Dubai rankings.
Sterne also rocketed up the World Golf Rankings - moving up 146 spots - to sit 135th.
Fellow countryman Louis Oosthuizen carded a six-under 66 in his final round to finish solo fourth on 14-under - four shots from the winner.
SA's top ranked golfer banked €307 260 (R4.8 million) this weekend and now sits third - behind Sterne - on the Race to Duabi rankings.
The South African duo will play this week in the European Tour's Dubai Desert Classic, which gets under way on Thursday at the Emirates Golf Club.
