Louis Oosthuizen described his victory at the Malaysian Open as "a great confidence boost" after his Masters defeat last week.
The 2010 Open winner led for much of the final round at Augusta after an incredible albatross two at the second hole but ended up losing in a play-off to Bubba Watson.
However, he shrugged aside the disappointment of that loss to triumph by three shots in the European and Asian Tour event in Kuala Lumpar, completing his third round on Sunday morning before shooting a closing 68.
"I felt it was important for me to put up a good fight this week," said Oosthuizen. "Last week was tough, it takes a bit out of you. But I knew I had to keep focused and not just plod along, and I did that very well.
"I thought I was going to be a lot more tired but the game was there, so it makes it a lot easier. This morning probably was a bit up and down but then I settled in a bit for the second 18
"I've been playing well for a while now. I finished third in Houston, second last week and I've won here, so it's definitely a great confidence boost for the season.
"The albatross at Augusta is something you don't really even dream about and to be part of any history at Augusta is special.
"But to me this win is very special. It felt good after what happened last week, just to show myself that when I'm in a tough spot on the golf course, I can pull it off."
Scotland's Stephen Gallacher chased Oosthuizen home and praised the victor's disaplay.
"It was a phenomenal performance coming off last week," said Gallacher. "I thought he may get tired today and obviously he didn't. He's a fit guy.
"He was on form. Beaten in the Masters in a play-off, you're playing well. I thought the course would look a bit easier to him than to us."
