Thomas Bjorn struck a second straight blow for the over-40s with a four shot Omega European Masters success in Switzerland.
Bjorn stormed over in recording an eagle and three birdies over his closing five holes in a 62 for a 20-under par victory total on the Crans-sur-Sierre course.
Germany’s Martin Kaymer, who had just an hour’s overnight sleep due to a head cold, posted two early eagles in a 65 to grab second place at 16-under par.
Three players – Rory McIlroy (68), Jamie Donaldson (70) and South African Jaco Van Zyl (64) – shared third place on 15-under par.
World No. 2 Lee Westwood (70) was among three players in sixth place on 14-under.
And there was added disappointment for Westwood when his second horse, ‘On the Hoof’ finished third at York, and a day after ‘Hoof It’ was also third at Haydock Park.
Thomas Bjorn - the first over-40 player in 14 years to win on the European Tour. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)
Bjorn arrived in the Swiss Alps drained after going five extra holes in capturing last week’s Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.
It’s Bjorn third Race to Dubai success this year after also winning the Qatar Masters.
The Dane is also the first over-40s player in 14 years to win back-to-back European Tour titles.
Zimbabwean Nick Price was the last when the also 40-year old captured the Dimension Data Pro-Am and the following week’s South African PGA.
And in a poignant moment, there was a 10-minute video tribute at the presentation to Ballesteros, the only three-time Swiss winner.
“Seve is my generation as he means everything to the game of golf,” said Bjorn.
“He’s been an inspiration to us all. He was a good friend to all of us. I just take pride in knowing him and being close to him in the years I played.
“He was wonderful to be around and he’s very sadly missed.”
Bjorn had started the final round three strokes behind Welshman Jamie Donaldson but with the big three of Kaymer, Westwood and McIlroy ahead of him.
“I am just But any day you go out and shoot a 62 on a Sunday you have to be delighted,” he said.
Among those first to congratulate Bjorn was Kaymer and England’s Nick Dougherty who had been encouraged by Bjorn, and finally earning a first pay cheque this year with the Liverpudlian sharing 45th at four under par.
And Dougherty, who ended a run of 22 missed cuts, found his way to a presentation ceremony for a first time in over two years to receive the prize for the lowest first round.
“It’s nice to finally get one under the belt, so hopefully I can build on this week”, said Dougherty.
