Van Rooyen Wins DP World Hero Challenge in Dubai

Minnesota

Erik Van Rooyen, the former Gopher golfer and 2012 MGA Amateur champion from South Africa, won the DP World Hero Challenge at the Palm Jumeirah Resort in Dubai Nov. 19.

Van Rooyen joined Euro Tour stars Danny Willett, the 2016 Masters champ; Shane Lowry, the current Open champion; Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters winner; Henrik Stenson, the 2016 Open champ; and Rafa Cabrera Bello in a nighttime shootout event under the lights. 

In the finals, van Rooyen and Willett had six chances at a 100-yard pitch over water to a floating target to earn 5, 10, 25 or 50 points with the last ball worth double points. Willett, the DP World Tour defending champ, was unable to catch Van Rooyen who finished with 140 points to Willett's 105. 

To watch the competition on Youtube, click here (skip ahead to the 42:00 mark for the finals). 

For more on the competition, click here.