MUNICH – Viktor Hovland became the first Norwegian to win a European Tour title on Sunday after finishing two shots ahead of local favourite Martin Kaymer at the BMW International Open.
"It's a huge honour and finally Norway has a win on the European Tour," said the 23-year-old Hovland.
"I grew up watching mostly the European Tour and a lot of guys who played this week."
A day where Viktor Hovland made history on his debut in Munich.
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) June 27, 2021
The final leaderboard 👇#BMWInternationalOpen
Having started Sunday with a three-shot lead, Hovland's advantage was eroded by Kaymer's superb final round as the German joined him at 17 under.
Hovland birdied the 13th and 16th holes, but was just one shot ahead on the par five 18th.
The Norwegian held his nerve to make the green in two shots after a near-perfect drive, putting for a birdie to finish 19 under.
Viktory 🏆
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) June 27, 2021
A first European Tour win for Viktor Hovland.
A first European Tour win for Norway.#BMWInternationalOpen pic.twitter.com/ikVIyhVgDK
Spain's Jorge Campillo finished third at 15 under, a shot clear of France's Victor Dubuisson in fourth.
"I saw (Kaymer) was creeping up from behind, Jorge was hanging on and after missing a bunch of putts, making the birdie on 13 helped a lot," said Hovland.
He is now up to a career high ranking of 13th in the world, strengthening his bid to become the first Norwegian to play in the Ryder Cup.
"It was very stressful but it feels great"
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) June 27, 2021
A word from our champion 🗣️#BMWInternationalOpen pic.twitter.com/sPNcTcXzOU
"It's The Open, Olympics, Ryder Cup. There's so much golf to look forward to and I'm just going to have a blast," Hovland added.
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AFP