European Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn may be wishing for a mulligan on his captain’s picks. Matthew Fitzpatrick, less than a week after being left off the Euro squad, made his strongest case yet, pouring in birdie putts on the 18th hole twice in a row to win the Omega European Masters.
Fitzpatrick, who turned 24 last week, came to the 72nd hole of the tournament needing birdie to tie clubhouse leader Lucas Bjerregaard at 17 under par. He hit the fairway and then stuck his approach shot before pouring in his putt.
What way to finish! @MattFitz94 makes a birdie and forces a play-off with @LBjerregaard.#oem2018 pic.twitter.com/IY2Xoeop9i
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) September 9, 2018
Things got off to a rocky start for both golfers in the playoff. Bjerregaard fanned his tee shot to the right, while Fitzpatrick hit a hook that just tumbled out of the left trees into the rough. Bjerregaard hit a fantastic recovery that just rolled to the back fringe, but Fitzpatrick did even better, chasing his approach shot close to a back pin. When Bjerregaard’s effort just slid by from the fringe, Fitzpatrick faced this putt for the win.
He’s done it! ?@MattFitz94 successfully defends the Omega European Masters, becoming the first player to do so since Seve Ballesteros.#oem2018 pic.twitter.com/V6V3VCde7Z
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) September 9, 2018
With the victory, Fitzpatrick successfully defends his title at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club in Switzerland. The win is his fifth as a professional and ensures he will move up from his position at No. 44 in the world.
Mike Lorenzo-Vera, who held the lead before a back-nine double bogey, finished third at 15 under.
