Through three rounds in Switzerland at the DP World Tour’s Omega European Masters, it seemed like Matt Fitzpatrick’s week.
The 29-year-old already has two European Masters titles on his resume, and with a two-shot lead on Saturday night, seemed poised to claim a third. And when Fitzpatrick teed off on the 15th hole Sunday, he had a three-shot lead — a seemingly comfortable advantage.
But Fitzpatrick wasn’t counting on a late final-round charge from 23-year-old Swede Ludvig Aberg, who birdied four of his final five holes en route to round of six-under 64. Fitzpatrick then bogeyed three of his four closing holes.
Aberg’s winning total of 19 under par was good enough for a two-shot victory over fellow Swede Alexander Bjork, and three shots over Fitzpatrick.
It’s the first DP World Tour win for Aberg, who turned professional in June after making a name for himself in the college ranks at Texas Tech and ascending to the top spot on the World Amateur Golf Ranking. Aberg earned his PGA Tour card by occupying the top spot in the PGA Tour University ranking, and he made his professional debut at the RBC Canadian Open. His best finish on the PGA Tour is T4 at the John Deere Classic. He was also T4 at last week’s Czech Masters on the DP World Tour.
With the win, Aberg is now in the conversation to be a Ryder Cup captain’s pick for Team Europe, despite the fact that he has never played in a major championship. European captain Luke Donald will announce his six captain’s picks on Monday.
