Donald shoots 63 to win in Scotland

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Donald shoots 63 to win in Scotland

INVERNESS, Scotland - Luke Donald enjoyed the perfect warmup for next week’s British Open by shooting a flawless 9-under 63 to win a rain-affected Scottish Open by four strokes, his first victory since becoming the world’s top-ranked player in May.

The 33-year-old Englishman started the third and final round a shot behind a trio of joint leaders but rolled in nine birdies in a majestic bogey-free display at Castle Stuart.

With only a light wind leaving the links defenseless, Donald romped home with a winning total of 19 under, ahead of Fredrik Andersson Hed (62).

His eighth professional title - and third this year - didn’t just cement his top ranking, which he secured for the first time nearly two months ago by beating compatriot Lee Westwood in a playoff for the PGA Championship on his last appearance in Europe.

It also provided the ideal tonic ahead of the British Open at Royal St. George’s starting Thursday, where he’ll attempt to land his first major.

“I felt good out there, very comfortable, very in control. That’s a good sign for next week,’’ said Donald, who is half Scottish and wore tartan trousers for the final day. “There’s always a little added pressure when you’re No. 1 but hopefully I’ve proved I can handle that. It was a pretty strong field this week and the best way to prepare.’’

Sweden’s Andersson Hed, ranked No. 128, began the third round tied for 44th at 5 under, but came from nowhere to overhaul a host of forlorn chasers behind Donald. His 10-under 62 was the lowest score of a wet week in Inverness, when Saturday’s play was completely washed out - reducing the tournament to 54 holes.

“I had gone 48 hours since I played on the golf course. I’d like to stay here a bit longer,’’ Andersson Hed said.

British Open hopefuls Scott Jamieson of Scotland and Mark Tullo of Chile finished in a seven-way tie for third. However, it was the 203rd ranked Jamieson - who sank a birdie at the last with the final shot of the tournament - who grabbed the available qualifying spot for the year’s third major, by virtue of having a higher ranking than Tullo by 29 places.

“It was the first putt I had all day that I was really confident on my read, and it just reached the hole,’’ said Jamieson, who will play at his first major. “It’s not registered yet, to be honest.’’

Colin Montgomerie had also been looking to qualify for his home major for the 22nd straight year but could only card a 70 to close at 10 under, and a tie for 31st. The former Europe Ryder Cup captain briefly shared the lead in the final round after a birdie on No. 6, but dropped four shots at the start of the back nine to shatter his hopes.

No player has ever won the Scottish Open and gone on to win the British Open, but Donald looks in good position to become the first.


AP


한글 관련 기사 [일간스포츠]

남자골퍼 세계 1위 루크 도널드, 스코틀랜드오픈 우승

남자프로골프 세계 랭킹 1위 루크 도널드(잉글랜드)가 비 때문에 3라운드 대회로 축소돼 치러진 유럽프로골프투어 스코틀랜드오픈에서 우승했다.

도널드는 10일(현지시간) 스코틀랜드 인버네스의 캐슬 스튜어트 골프 링크스(파72)에서 열린 대회 마지막 날 3라운드에서 9언더파를 쳐 합계 19언더파 197타를 기록, 2위 프레드릭 안데르손 헤드(스웨덴)를 4타 차로 제쳤다. 우승상금은 55만유로.

도널드는 올해 2월 월드골프챔피언십(WGC) 액센츄어 매치플레이 대회와 5월 유럽투어 BMW PGA 챔피언십에 이어 시즌 3승째를 거뒀다. 세계 랭킹 2위인 리 웨스트우드(잉글랜드)는 12언더파 204타를 쳐 공동 14위에 올랐다.

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