Hamilton’s 10th win of the season, and 83rd of his career, was also a 100th for Mercedes as a constructor.
Tiger Woods, who had to play seven holes on Monday in the weather-affected event, finished at 19-under 261 in his first tournament since undergoing arthroscopic left knee surgery two months ago.
It wasn't much of a spectacle, but it had a hugely tense finish as South Africa slotted a penalty with four minutes to go to break Welsh hearts and book a Rugby World Cup final with England.
Despite claiming his first win over Pitso Mosimane in 10 attempts, Ernst Middendorp insists he derives no joy from the result.
The experiment would have seen regular Saturday qualifying replaced with a short race, with drivers lining up in reverse championship order with the overall points leader last. The results would then set the grid for Sunday’s race.
Warren Gatland said Handre Pollard's 76th-minute penalty had killed Welsh momentum, with the game locked at 16-16.
A brace from Samir Nurkovic secured the Glamour Boys all three points as Ernst Middendorp claimed his first win over Pitso Mosimane in 10 attempts.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side are unbeaten in the Premier League since mid-September but will be disappointed not to have taken all three points after dominating the second period against Geordies.
Birthday boy Warner clubbed an unbeaten 100 as he powered Australia to a massive 233 for two, aided by century stands with skipper Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell.
The Springboks go into Sunday’s match with the hopes of the nation heavy on their shoulders as they fight to secure a spot in the RWC final.
