Scotland’s Marc Warren is set to jump a massive 933 places on the World Rankings following his one shot succes sin capturing the Austrian Open.
The 39-year old help celebrate produced a roller-coaster opening dozen holes on the final day before birding two of his closing four in a score of 70 to win by a shot at 14-under par on the Diamond Resort course at Atzenbrugg and some 35 miles from Vienna.
Germany’s Marcel Schneider (69) was second at 13-under par and with the Scottish duo of Peebles Craig Howie (66) and Drumoig’s Connor Syme (72) sharing fourth place at 12-under par.
Warren’s victory is the Scot’s first win since capturing a third Tour victory at the 2014 Made In Denmark and the Scot has achieved the win in a rare first and that’s playing all four days without his full-time caddy, Ken Herring was ruled out after failing to receive the results of a compulsory Covid-19 test while there also no stand-by caddies available.
Marc Warren headed for a huge leap up of more than 930 spots the World Rankings following his Austrian Open win. (Photo @EuropeanTour)
Warren said: “It’s been a long wait as it was 2014 the last time I won, and what’s happened on the golf course in the years since then, I’ve played very poorly.
“The (Covid-19) break has been unfortunate for everyone but it came at a good time for me, allowing me to spend some time at home and trying to get my game ready to play golf.
“The last few weeks I’ve been able to get some good work done and be ready to play golf, so I came here to Austria pretty refreshed.
“Also, having to carry my bag this week probably helped tone it down a little, just going out and playing and seeing what happens so the result couldn’t have been any better.
“It’s been different as it’s the first time since 2005 that I’ve not had a caddy, so it’s 15 years.
“Hopefully this is the one and only time, no matter what I say, I do enjoy the caddie’s company and especially on days like yesterday.”
Warren earned a first prize cheque for Stg 61,518 and his biggest prize purse since a STG 92,000 pay out in sharing 10th in the 2017 Italian Open but it’s not the money but again being a winner on Tour that’s more important to the now 18-year pro veteran.
Given it was a joint European/Challenge Tour event, Warren earns just a one-year exemption to the end of 2021.
As well, Warren’s victory will see the Scot jump a remarkable 933 places on the World Rankings from the current No. 1,258th ranked golfer to the new No. 325th.
Warren said: “In terms of my career, this win is massive. It means going from not having main Tour status at the start of this week to now back into a winner’s category so I can plan the remainder of the year a little bit better.
“I just need to keep doing what I’m doing, trying to hit one shape all the time and when I do play try and do that and try not to mess about too much.”
Warren’s highest World Ranking was 48th at the start of the 2015 season.
