Winning in Valderrama is like doing it in a marathon, and in this case of those who also decide at the last moment. Whoever slows down, even if only for an instant, falls behind. That was of course the last turn of the Estrella Damm NA Andaluca Masters, which has been awarded Matt Fitzpatrick, who starts as the top favorite with Jon Rahm before starting the tournament.
This victory will never be forgotten by the English, who He took a picture with the trophy and left with the same speed he usually plays, because he lost the plane. Firm final round of 69 hits (278 total) and he even took the trophy by three strokes of advantage, although this was something unthinkable minutes before consecrating himself in one of the temples of world golf.
The one from Sheffield, which until hole 15 he had only made pairs, emerged at the same time as the Swede Soderberg was crashing. The latter committed a crucial failure at the start of 17 when he was the leader with two strokes of advantage over the second. His ball was lost in the forest, it was impossible for anyone to find it and he shot with the provisional. Then he even missed a single putt and signed a double bogey.
In parallel, Fitzpatrick made his first birdie at 16. Then Soderberg, already touched, sinks and errs again on the 18th green after having made the first nine holes at -4. The winner, in fact, finished the job shortly after with a great putt on 18.
Fitpatrick was the survivor in the Sanroca field after a sway of leaders, after the Laurie Canter crash, who had taken the field on Sunday with three of advantage over the second and ended up shooting 76.
“It was on the wish list to win a tournament in Valderrama, because of the history it has”Fitzpatrick said, adding: “Doing it without bogeys on Sunday is also very special. I am delighted. It is amazing how I have won. This course is a test and you have to be patient during the 72 holes. I really liked my attitude this week. “
Fitzpatrick, 27, is awarded his seventh victory on the European Tour and succeeds American John Catlin in the palmars of the tournament. In addition, he joins his name with that of players like Sergio Garca, Faldo, Langer, Montgomerie, Lyle o Poulter, who already won in the 1997 Ryder field. The best sensations had been left since the start of the tournament by the British, who won by making pairs and propping up at the decisive moment. That is Valderrama.
Regarding the Spaniards, the best was Pablo Larrazbal (285 strokes), who scored 70 at the farewell to the tournament. Rafa Cabrera Bello and Pablo Larrazbal (286), signed 71 and 72 respectively.
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