• Year in review: Harding’s remarkable rise

    Justin Harding
    Harding was sublime all year

    As the curtain closes on another year, we give you a reminder of some of the talking points from the world of golf. We recount Justin Harding’s sensational season.

    FROM THE MAG: Committed to success

    It was a remarkable 2018 for Harding, who started the year ranked 716 in the world. The Stellenbosch pro finished T47 at the SA Open in Glendower; a perfect foil for the story he was about to write.

    Before back-to-back victories at the Investec Royal Swazi Open and the Lombard Insurance Classic, Harding had accrued four top-five finishes to go with his T6 at the Cape Town Open.

    The 32-year-old was then offered a spot on the Asian Tour for the Bank BRI Indonesia Open, which he duly won. With stature now attained, it took just two more events for a second win as he claimed the Royal Cup.

    His incredible run sent him soaring into the top 100 in the rankings, and with it came a place in his first Major; the PGA Championship at Bellerive. 

    A missed cut would not derail his momentum as he secured further top finishes; second at the Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup Golf, T4 at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters and fourth at the Afrasia Bank Mauritius Open at Anahita.

    Harding, now ranked 85th, has a formidable 2019 ahead, with expectations having risen significantly after his best-ever season on tour.

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