Englishman Nick Dougherty took advantage of a disastrous 16th hole for Ernie Els to claim the biggest win of his career at the Dunhill Links Championship on Sunday.
The overnight leader nearly squandered his three-stroke advantage as he bogeyed the opening two holes but he recovered to post a one-under par final round of 71 and finish on 18 under, two shots clear of Justin Rose.
It was Dougherty’s second win on the European Tour following his victory in the 2005 Singapore Masters and his winner’s cheque of £392 368 was the biggest of his career to date.
There was a remarkable third place for Northern Ireland teenager Rory McIlroy, who clinched his tour card for next season in only his second event as a pro by finishing third.
It was a frustrating afternoon for Els, who tied for sixth spot with fellow South African Trevor Immelman. Els had moved into contention to win but saw his challenge crumble with a disastrous bogey seven on the par-four 16th hole.
The South African putted into a bunker from just off the back of the green and compounded the error by three-putting after his recovery from the sand.
”This is a life-changing win for me but I felt very nervous at the start of the day,” admitted Dougherty, who jumps to the top of the European Ryder Cup points table.
”I’ve been in this position before and it’s not gone right but I spoke to my fitness coach, Ron Cuthbert, before going out and he told me to use the nerves as a positive thing.
”He said if I wasn’t nervous it would be a bad thing and he told me to enjoy these moments. He was a real help.
”I got off to a pretty bad start but I trusted myself and my ability. I had some big players, like Ernie and Justin, chasing me, but I got the job done. This is the win I’ve been after for two years and I’m very proud of myself.”
Runner-up Rose, who closed the gap on Padraig Harrington in the race for the Order of Merit title after pocketing a consolation prize of £261 577, saw his spirited challenge finally thwarted with a bogey at the 17th on his way to a 69.
McIlroy, the 18-year-old Ulster rookie, showed resilience and mental strength beyond his tender years to emerge from a turbulent spell on his inward half to post a battling 68 to clinch third place. — Sapa-AFP