Noren triumphs in Scottish Open

The lead changed hands several times on Saturday and the Swede held off the chasing pack a day later with a pair of birdies on the back nine ensuring he got his hands on the trophy.

Published : Jul 11, 2016 11:08 IST , ‎Gullane ( Scotland)

Alex Noren after clinching the Scottish Open trophy.
Alex Noren after clinching the Scottish Open trophy.
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Alex Noren after clinching the Scottish Open trophy.

Alex Noren claimed his fifth European Tour title by winning the Scottish Open by one shot, while Tyrrell Hatton was among four players to qualify for The Open. 

Noren finished at the top of the leaderboard for a third straight day, carding a two-under 70 to finish on 14 under for the tournament.

The lead changed hands several times on Saturday and the Swede was delighted to have held off the chasing pack a day later with a pair of birdies on the back nine ensuring he got his hands on the trophy.

"I'm so happy it's over because it was a tough, tough leaderboard. A lot of guys at 11, 12, 13 under and it was just not a cruising win at all," he said. 

"Thinking about it this morning – how much it would mean – it feels like miles away, and now, when it happens, it just feels unbelievable.

"I'll just try to enjoy this. I know how tough this game is and I'm just really happy to get a win and then for next week, it's a new week and see what happens."

All five of Noren's European Tour wins have come after holding a 54-hole lead, while this is the first time he has triumphed in consecutive seasons.

Hatton was unable to match his round of 66 from Saturday, but a trio of birdies earned him second place and a spot at next week's Open Championship at Royal Troon.

Nicolas Colsaerts joins him after surging up the leaderboard by shooting a six-under 66 – a sensational eagle putt on 12 kick-started a phenomenal finish in which he picked up a further four shots from six holes.

The Belgian was joined in third position by Danny Lee and Matteo Manassero, who, along with Richie Ramsay, earned one of the two remaining qualifying spots for The Open.

Callum Shinkwin shot a bogey-free 65 – the best score of the day – to tie for eighth with Jorge Campillo, while Phil Mickelson surged up the ladder, carding 66 to finish joint-13th.

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