England’s Tommy Fleetwood has singled out his ailing dog, Maisy after he birdied the first extra play-off hole to claim a maiden Tour victory in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.
Fleetwood, 22 had also birdied the last in regulation in a final round 70 to tie Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher (67) and Argentina’s Ricardo Gonzalez (70) at 18-under on the PGA Centenary course.
All three players headed back to the 18th with Gallacher and Gonzalez each only managing a par before the Southport-born Fleetwood and World No. 277 rolled in his four-foot victory putt.
- Tommy Fleetwood and his dog, Maisy. (Photo – Stuart Adams/www.golftourimages.com)
“I’m a bit lost for words which is something I’m not known for but it’s just unbelievable as it’s been a lifetime goal to win on the European Tour,” said Fleetwood.
“I’m sure there will be bigger and better goals in my career but this feels absolutely amazing right now.”
Fleetwood went into the final round of his 50th Tour event sharing the lead on 16-under par with Gonzalez but slipped well off the pace to be one over par for his round through 15 holes.
However he then eagled the 16th and birdied the last.
Accompanying Fleetwood over the last day was his parents and 14-year old dog, Maisy.
“It was great to see Maisy out there as she’s been to plenty of tournaments around Europe where I’ve competed but this could have been her last event as she was diagnosed with cancer a couple of weeks ago,” he said.
“So, given her condition this week is pretty special.”
Fleetwood’s victory earned him a first prize cheque for Euro 272,272 ($US 364,272) along with a two-year Tour exemption and the certainty of a place in the GB & I Seve Trophy team be played in France in October.
Gallacher had earlier taken a triple bogey at the 11th hole but then played his closing five holes in four under par, including grabbing an eagle at the last while Gonzalez battled a right calf muscle injury mid-round brought on by a new pair of shoes.
The 43-year old Rosario-born Gonzalo was looking to end a four-year winless drought and also dedicate victory to his late parents.
However Gonzalez’s share of second ensures his Tour card for next season while Gallacher also is certain to tee-up in France.
Scotland’s Scott Henry chipped-in for eagle at the last in a score of 67 to finish tied fourth on 17-under par with Austrian Bernd Wiesberger who shot a 68.
MEANTIME -The European Tour now heads to Wales for Thursday’s commencing Wales Open at Celtic Manor and the start also of the 2014 European Ryder Cup qualifying process.
“Good luck to everyone in trying to make the team,” said European Team captain, Paul McGinley who shot a last day 75 to share 63rd place.
