Jordan L Smith hailed an "insane" day after he went out in the final group and finished third in just his fifth European Tour event at the BMW SA Open hosted by City of Ekurhuleni.
The 24 year old knows a thing or two about being at the right end of the leaderboard after winning the EuroPro Tour in 2015 and finishing as number one on the Challenge Tour last season with the help of victories in Egypt and the UAE.
But he would never have experienced anything like he did on Sunday at Glendower Golf Club, with huge crowds following his group that contained four-time Major Championship winner Rory McIlroy and Tour veteran Graeme Storm.
Storm and McIlroy will take most of the headlines after the Englishman beat the World Number Two in a play-off but Smith more than played his part, with only a bogey on the 17th stopping him form making the play-off himself.
Few players will have had such an experience so early in the their European Tour career, and Smith could hardly contain his delight after his week in Gauteng.
"That was insane," he said. "Like nothing I have experienced in my life and I absolutely loved it. I am very pleased.
"I was very, very nervous at the start of the round so to make those (early) putts was a big help and really settled me into the round.
That was insane. Like nothing I have experienced in my life and I absolutely loved it - Jordan L Smith
"It was just such an amazing experience today, especially coming up the last hole there. Honestly – it was just insane.
"I am absolutely delighted with the week overall. I would have loved to have won but I got myself into contention and looking forward this experience will be invaluable for my future.
"I just can't wait to play in front of crowds like this again. This has exceeded all of my expectations ahead of the week. I knew I was playing well and was confident coming here but I didn't expect to end up in this situation."
