Norwegian Espen Kofstad wins Doubletree by Hilton Acaya Open
Espen Kofstad from Norway stunned Denmark’s Joachim B Hansen with his eagle-birdie finish on Sunday at the Doubletree by Hilton Acaya Open to take the first Challenge Tour victory of his career with a one-stroke margin.
Kofstad started off his final round with a share of the lead Roope Kakko, who finished third in the end.
Hansen, the meantime, went into a commanding clubhouse lead with a five-under par 65 for an eight-under par tournament score. On the other hand, Kofstad had a two-under par score for the round while heading for the 16th hole.
He then recorded an amazing eagle to tie for the lead, followed by a birdie on the 17th to rule the tournament on his own.
“I had a lucky bounce on the 16th with my second shot and it went to within three feet of the pin, and then I made the putt across the green from the left edge on the 17th. That was unreal”.
The final hole needed him to make just a par putt, which he did, in the end, to take the trophy home.
“I’m so excited I’m shaking like a leaf,” said Kofstad. “I’m buzzing. It’s so great to win. The shots just came off all day and I’m so proud of the way I played, as I’ve never been in the lead in a final round before”.
After taking the second spot on the leaderboard, Hansen looked really disappointed, as he remained consistent throughout the final round, prior to bogeying the final hole. Otherwise, he could have earned a spot in the sudden death playoffs against Kofstad.
“He (Hansen) was unlucky hitting it long on the last,” Kofstad said. “I was fully expecting a play-off. It’s unfortunate for him, but he’s played unbelievably all week”.
Hansen praised Kofstad’s late charge in the final round and said that it was unbelievable finish under pressure by the Norwegian. He played brilliantly throughout the tournament. Therefore, he deserved a win in the tournament.
In the meantime, Matthew Southgate and Lloyd Kennedy also made a late charge in the tournament to take the fourth and fifth position, respectively.
Tags: