Chris Wood: Third place in South Africa a 'massive' result

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Chris WoodImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Wood picked up the biggest cheque of his career so far - around 300,00 euros - in Sun City

Englishman Chris Wood says his third-place finish at the Nedbank Challenge in South Africa was "massive" after revealing he had been in hospital on a drip on the eve of the tournament.

The 28-year-old from Bristol rose to a career-best 46 in the world rankings as a result of his nine-under-par finish.

"It's hard to believe because I was on a drip for 13 hours," Wood said.

"The heat got to me and there was no chance of me playing the way I felt, so to finish fourth is a massive result."

Chris Wood: Back to form and fitness

Wood only returned to competitive golf in March this year after five months out with a broken bone in his wrist.

He won his second European Tour title - the Lyoness Open - in June this year to add to the Qatar Masters he won in 2013.

After his exploits in Sun City, Wood is currently fifth on the European points lists for next year's Ryder Cup at Hazeltine, Minnesota.

Wood, who ended the event in Sun City four shots behind runner-up Henrik Stenson and 10 strokes adrift of winner Marc Leishman, says even making the first tee on the opening day was an achievement.

"I was wheeled through the hotel in a wheelchair and tucked into bed by two doctors and I was in a bad way - so, whatever the result was this week, I was glad to be playing," Wood added.

"I've enjoyed my whole week here and it gives me a good step going into 2016 - especially in Ryder Cup year."

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