Mimi Rhodes claimed her second Ladies European Tour title at the Joburg Ladies Open, achieving back-to-back victories in her rookie season, while Lauren Walsh finished in a tie for fourth.
Rhodes started the day three shots clear of South Africa's Casandra Alexander and Walsh.
The Kildare golfer shot a 72 and dropped away from the chances of winning the tournament.
Rhodes produced a composed final day at Modderfontein Golf Club, carding three birdies, and posted a round of 71 (two-under) to end the week on 14-under par.
"It’s honestly not sunk in yet, I’m still in shock," said the two-time LET winner.
"I’m really on a high and lost for words. I’ve been working so hard for this moment. I can’t thank anyone enough, family and friends back home, all my coaches around the world – I’ve got a lot of them! Also my caddie for being with me on the golf course and helping me through to get to this moment."
Despite hitting it slightly long on the 18th, which nearly saw a playoff on the cards, Rhodes was able to keep her cool and still take par.
Alexander only dropped a shot on the seventh to finish 13-under par.
It was a close final day between the home favourite and the rookie, with both keeping each other tested throughout.
Alexander has previously won this event, back in 2021 at a different course – Soweto Country Club – and before it was co-sanctioned with the LET.
Rhodes added: "There was a lot of fans out there cheering for Cas [Alexander]. It was tough to mentally focus with them cheering a lot of her shots, but she played really well. I’m sorry to Joburg!"
Germany’s Helen Briem had a bogey-free final day, and finished in third place on 11-under par. The 19-year-old, who had her Dad on the bag this week, has started her season strong following last year’s successes.
Fellow rookie and Swede Kajsa Arwefjall, and Walsh finished in a tie for fourth place on 10-under par after 54 holes.
The tournament had a revised format and was reduced to 54 holes, announced on Friday, following heavy rainfall and a flooded course.
The LET heads to Cape Town next week for the Investec SA Women’s Open, taking place at Erinvale Country and Golf Estate.
