Published: Tuesday, 17th July, 2007 10:07
A DRAMATIC FINISH
Print Article
RECORD single day crowds of 22,500 swamped the bonnie banks on Sunday as the Barclays Scottish Open reached a thrilling climax.
On a weekend when his fellow countrymen celebrated Bastille Day, a momentous event signalling a new dawn in France, previously unheralded Frenchman Gregory Havret overcame red-hot favourite and world number three Phil Mickelson in a truly David and Goliath contest to capture the coveted Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond.
Trailing the American three-time major winner by a shot overnight, Havret went head-to-head with him in a totally enthralling final pairing which provided compelling entertainment for last day crowds in this stunning sporting amphitheatre.
When Mickelson tapped in for a birdie at the 17th, most pundits felt he would go on to capture the title for the first time. But he bogeyed the final hole to card a two under par 69 to his opponent’s 68, leaving both men level-pegging on 14 under par and forcing a playoff.
At the first extra hole, Mickelson’s tee shot found thick rough and he totally fluffed his approach to the green.
Havret (30), who had only one European Tour win going into this event, displayed nerves of steel against a fearsome opponent who was some 317 places above him in the world rankings. splashing out of the bunker and holing a par putt from six feet to capture the title and with it the top £500,000 prize.
In French style, the bubbly was cracked open in celebration on the 18th green .
Later an overjoyed Havret, who wins a place in next week’s Open Championship as a result of his triumph said: “It feels awesome to have won. It’s a dream come true. I have to say as a Frenchman that the French Open is important. I love tradition and to win an event like this in the country that gave the game to the world.”
Earlier Englishman Luke Donald had carded a scorching best of the day eight-under par 64 which won him a bottle of 30-year-old Ballantines Whisky and sent him into the Open on a high with joint fourth place while South African Ernie “The Big Easy” Els had claimed third place with a sparkling 66.
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon
Chapman hopes for a Happy New Year