Simon Thornton could not have endured a more contrasting day of emotions on the final day of the Andalucian Open at Marbella.
Frenchman Julien Quesne captured a first European Tour win by two strokes with a course record-equalling 64 and a 17-under par tally.
Italian teenager Matteo Manassero (68) kept alive his hope of making his pro debut at next month’s Masters in finishing on 15-under par.
Thornton celebrated his 35th birthday carding a final round 68 for a share of 33rd place at five under par.
However for the golfer living a short iron shot from famed Royal Co. Down there was no celebration with firstly his five month old young son, Ryan struggling with his bronchial problems and the funeral taking place of good friend, Connor Mallon.
Mallon, the professional at Nairn and Portnoo, was found hanged last Thursday in an Ardara hotel room in Co. Donegal.
Thornton, who recorded seven birdies but also two bogeys and a double bogey, has withdrawn from this week’s Hassan 11 Trophy in Morocco to be with his wife and son.
“Ryan is only five months old but he hasn’t been well for three months and it’s important now for me to be at home and helping out rather than be out here on the Tour,” said Thornton.
“Then with Connor, who’s a good friend of mine committing suicide on Thursday, it really puts golf into perspective.
“It was a huge shock for everybody. I got to know him reasonably well playing regional golf and the funny thing is that his funerals today and it’s also my birthday.
“He was one of the guys that I would have seen myself being friends with for many more decades to come so his death has affected a great many people.
“It was hard to concentrate out there but then there is lots of things going on in everyone’s life, not just mine.”
Thornton indicated he will return to competition at the March 29th commencing Sicilian Open.
Shane Lowry looked headed for a new Aloha course record when he moved to 13-under par with seven birdies in 14 holes before dropping shots at 16 and 17 in a round of 67 for a share of seventh place at 11-under par.
It was also the Esker Hills player’s best result since a fourth on his last visit to Spain and Andalucia in October.
“I was ten under par for the weekend here which is confidence and it’s given me a lot of confidence to feed off over the next two weeks,” said Lowry
Kells Damien McGrane recorded a final round 73 for a share of 20th at seven under par with Michael Hoey (71) and Gareth Maybin (74) tied in 33rd place at five under par.
The next event in Spain will be the 100th anniversary of the Spanish Open in May in Seville that coincides with the 40th anniversary of the European Tour.
It will also coincide with the passing a year of Seve Ballasteros.
