Iberdrola Open on the European Tour culminates with Darren Clarke as the new champion
Iberdrola Open, in Mallorca Spain, came to a conclusion when Northern Irishman Darren Clarke recorded his 13th title win on the European Tour with final round of 69.
The final day turned out to be a warm sunny day as the blazing Mediterranean sun hammered the course, turning the greens faster and unpredictable. Chris Wood, who played splendid golf all throughout the weekend, fared badly in the final round and could not
keep up with the tremendous pressure Clarke exerted in the opening holes. Clarke went over to a blistering start, reducing Wood’s overnight lead to shambles.
Wood’s had led the second round proceedings earlier and looked in amazing form in the tournament, in pursuance of his maiden win on the tour. The rejuvenated Clarke, who has just returned from his three-month vacation in the Bahamas, gave the Englishman
little chance of going all the way to the top. Clarke, the former Ryder Cup vice captain, has not won a title since 2008, when he clinched the KLM Open on the European Tour in 2008.
“Sometimes you need to step back and look at things from a different perspective and that’s what I did in the Bahamas,” said Clarke with a sunny disposition. “It’s a bit of a monkey to get off my back after three years not winning so it’s good. At the same
time, I feel a lot for Chris Wood – he’s a young guy, a great player and I’ve been in his position before. On a personal note, I’m delighted to have played quite nicely today and win the tournament.”
Although drenched in victory, the 42-year-old did not forget to commend Wood for his consistent efforts and hoped that the young golfer would go ahead to win a title on the tour sooner than later. According to Clarke, it becomes practically more difficult
for a golfer to maintain his overnight lead and not be affected by the immense pressure of the final round.
Clarke paid his tribute to the legendary golfer and former compatriot Seve Ballesteros and lauded his enormous contribution for European golf.
“We wouldn’t be here without him, simple as that –The European Tour would not be in the position it is today without Seve,” he added.
Clarke collected his winner’s share of €166,660 and the glittering Iberdrola Trophy with a grin on his face. With this win, he has now moved back in the Top 90 in the Official World Golf Rankings from a slump of 124th. The Spanish soil has been
particularly lucky for the tough Englishman and had been lucky on a previous occasion when he won the Volvo Masters in 1998.
Jose Maria Olazabal, who is also the designer of the course, finished tied for fifth alongside Paul Lawrie and two more contenders. The tour will now move on to the Volvo World Match Play Championship at Finca Cortesin Golf Club at Andalucía, Spain. The
€3,400,000 event is scheduled from May 19-22.
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