Golf Scene

Bjorn again!

September 7 - 13 , 2011
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Gulf Weekly Bjorn again!


Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn shot a sensational final round 62 to secure his third victory of the season at the OMEGA European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre in Switzerland.

Bjorn, who lifted the Johnnie Walker Championship trophy last week in Gleneagles, became only the 28th player in history to win back-to-back titles on the European Tour.

The Dane, who started the final round four shots back of leader Jamie Donaldson, raced to the turn in 32 strokes, courtesy of four birdies in a row from the fifth hole. Following two more birdies at the 10th and 14th, Bjorn eagled the short par five 15th and sealed victory in style with birdies on the final two holes to get to 20 under par.

The new world number 30 has been in a rich vein of form since his fourth place finish at the British Open in July and remained philosophical about his performance.

As a golfer who has openly admitted to having had his fair share of demons since his dramatic collapse at the British Open in 2003, Bjorn quickly noted that ‘golf seems easy sometimes and you have to remember that when you are not playing well’.

Martin Kaymer was left to rue the miss of a two-foot putt on the back nine as he eventually finished four shots behind in second place on 16 under par. The German, who could have moved up to third in the official world rankings with a victory remained positive about his performance.

The former USPGA champion said: “I didn’t come here to finish second, I wanted the win and to go to third in the world. But I’m hitting the ball so well I’m optimistic about trying again next week.”

There was also positive news for US Open champion Rory McIlroy who was playing in his first event since injuring his wrist at the USPGA Championship last month. The Northern Irishman finished five shots adrift at 15 under par alongside South Africa’s Jaco Van Zyl and overnight leader Jamie Donaldson.

Another big name player in contention going into the final round was Englishman Lee Westwood who eventually settled for a tie for sixth place on 14 under par with compatriot David Lynn and Swede AnderssonHed, one stroke ahead of Spaniard Miguel Angel Jiminez.







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