“This one’s for everyone back home and for Seve [Ballesteros],” were the words of South African golfer Thomas Aiken as he walked down the 18th hole of the Spanish Open with a three-shot lead on Sunday.
He parred the last hole for a final round of 70 and a two-shot win to claim his maiden European tour victory, on 10 under par finishing ahead of Dane Anders Handsen.
The 27-year-old — who is good friends with Masters’ champion Charl Schwartzel — continued the strong performances of South African golfers as he led after the second round.
In the final round it was about managing his nerves as he closed out the victory.
“I don’t think it’s quite hit home yet. I’ve been waiting for this for a long, long time. I’ve been knocking on the door, and I couldn’t have thought of a better week to cross the line,” said Aiken in his post-round interview.
“It’s been a very sad week with Seve’s passing, and I want to dedicate this win to him — this being his home open and him being the man he was and for what he gave to golf and what he gave to us as fellow players,” said Aiken.
Aiken went out in two under par with birdies coming at the par-five second hole and par-four sixth hole.
On the back nine, Aiken had bogies on the 13th and 15th but matched them with birdies on the 11th and 14th.
“I put the ball in play, I hit a lot of greens today but not as close as I wanted although I hit a lot of good long putts and I made some clutch putts too.
“It was quite nerve-wracking coming down the last few holes … I won’t lie.
“After my three-putt on 15 it kinda rattled me a bit, but I managed to make a good two putt on the next so it settled me down,” he said.
“I’m just ecstatic to get a win under my belt.”
With the victory, he took the tally of South African wins on the European tour to 99, and he became the 28th South African player to win on the tour. – Sapa