A GREAT DANE (From South Wales Argus)

A GREAT DANE

12:30pm Monday 8th June 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

JEPPE Huldahl last night bagged the Wales Open title on a thrilling afternoon at the Celtic Manor.

On the tenth anniversary of Wales’ premier golf tournament it was a case of back to the future as the little-known Dane shocked Ryder Cup stars such as Niclas Fasth and Ignacio Garrido to emulate the first winner of the tournament, compatriot Steen Tinning.

Huldahl incredibly became the tenth different winner at the Wales Open, recording a blemish-free round of 67 to beat Fasth into second place, the Welsh crowd disappointed after seeing the Fasth Show yesterday, the Swede firing an imperious round of 66, including an eagle on the par five 11th.

However, bogeys on 16 and 17 halted the charge of Fasth and Huldahl kept his nerve to secure a maiden European Tour title.

He is the third successive winner at the Wales Open to come from nowhere, Richard Sterne and Scott Strange the shock victors in 2007 and 2008.

Overnight leader Richie Ramsay fell away in a dramatic final day, with fan favourite and joint leader Nick Dougherty capitulating with the worst round of the day, an eight over par 79.

A delighted Huldahl, a recent graduate from the Challenge Tour, should now register with European Ryder Cup skipper Colin Montgomerie, who vowed that whoever won around the Celtic Manor would enter his thoughts for a wildcard when the big event comes to Newport next October.

However, the joy of victory was enough for the 26-year-old Dane (not to mention the £300,000 winning prize), particularly with girlfriend Katrine expecting a baby daughter in a couple of months.

He explained: “I was hoping and dreaming of a win, but I wasn’t expecting it so soon, having just come from the Challenge Tour,” he said.

“Maybe that money could pay for a wedding, but I am just delighted and excited to have won here in Wales.”

Huldahl refused to look ahead to the Ryder Cup next year, though he admitted selection would be a dream come true.

“This helps my career massively, it gives me more security, but I can’t even hope for the Ryder Cup, though I would love it if it comes.

“I am happy at the moment, maybe Monty will give me a wildcard now!”

l There was some good news for Wales despite a poor showing from our players, Ian Woosnam winning in the Irish Senior Open.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)