Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn singled out his ‘grinding’ manners in holing a birdie putt at the first extra play-off hole and capture a second Omega European Masters title in three years in Switzerland.
In what was a huge sponsorship coup for Callaway Golf, Bjorn emerged from the mist and steady rain to defeat Scotland’s and fellow Callaway backed Craig Lee after both players had ended regulation play locked on 20-under par.
Bjorn had posted a round of 65 but then Lee’s birdie attempt putt on the last green lipping-out in a score of 67.
Moments later Bjorn holed a 12-foot birdie on the same green to claim a 14th Tour success but his first since winning the Swiss title two years ago.
Dane Thomas Bjorn wins a second Omega European Masters title in three years. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)
“When I get into situations like today I really how to grind it out and I have to say I’ve been pretty good at closing out tournaments in my career,” he said.
“I give everything in those situations and I just grind, and grind and grind even knowing that I don’t need to play great.
“That’s what it’s about late on Sunday afternoons and I’ve just got that in me.
“Then the last time I won here in Switzeland I had already won twice in the season including the week before at Gleneagles, so I was on kind of a roll and to win here was a bonus.
“This year I have come up short a few times including the hurt in Munich but I came here really desperate to win this golf tournament so this one is very sweet for me given I am 42 years of age.
“You keep thinking when is going to be the next win but then you play alongside someone like Miguel (Angel Jimenez) and he seems like he’s 60 odd and away you go and that gives you more confidence.
“And people might say I am not the happiest guy on the golf course but that is the way I am.
“I know that is the way I have to be and when it all boils down the guys who win are not scared of losing and that’s what you have to have in you.”
Victory earned Bjorn a first prize cheque of Euro 366,660 and with victory lifting him from 66th and back inside the top-50 at 44th on the World Rankings.
One of the first text messages Bjorn received was from European Ryder Cup Paul McGinley, and a fellow vice-captain in the 2010 and 2012 victorious European sides.
Bjorn is now top of the qualifying points table after two weeks of qualifying.
Despite Lee’s disappointment the Scot jumped from 108th to 55th on the Race to Dubai and the assurance of retaining his Tour card for next year.
“This result lifts a lot of weight off my shoulders as my card is now secure for next year and it means I don’t have to go chasing tournaments like heading to Perth in Australia later this year,” said Lee.
“Now I can think about maybe getting ready to go to China for the ‘Final Series’ instead.”
