October 6th, 2008
Karlsson wins Dunhill Links Championship
European Ryder Cup player Robert Karlsson beat Ross Fisher and Germany’s Martin Kaymer in a play-off to claim the Dunhill Links Championship title at St Andrews.
The Swede birdied the opening hole in the play-off to record his second win in recent weeks and replace Padraig Harrington at the top of the European Order of Merit with only four events remaining.
Karlsson only contributed half a point at Valhalla but has been in consistent form all season, regularly finishing in the top ten in European events.
“It was an unexpected win,” said Karlsson. “I played a bad round on Saturday but I managed to get myself into the play-off. I had a good feeling about the first extra hole. I fancied my chances when I got the yardage for the wedge to the green.”
Karlsson, Kraymer and Fisher were tied on 10 under after 72 holes as Karlsson and Fisher recorded 65s and joint overnight leader Kaymer bogeyed the 17th and missed a chance to win on the 18th with an eight foot put.
Triple–Major winner Padraig Harrington went into the final round two shots off the lead but only managed a final round of 71 to finish in a tie for 13th on five under.
The Irishman commented: “It’s hard to get away with it on a Sunday when you are not prepared right. I know myself I’m not on top of my game.”
Harrington admitted that the European Order of Merit is now wide open, saying, “I’ll have a battle on my hands for the Order of Merit for sure. It’s in Robert’s hands now.”
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