Garcia gets home at Omega European Masters
IN: News | European PGA | Omega European Masters (2005) | Wrap | by Bruce Young | 05 Sep 2005
Sergio Garcia, the leading ranked player in the event, today won his sixth European Tour event when he held off fast finishes from Peter Gustafsson and Paul Casey to win the Omega European Masters at Crans Sur Sierre.
Garcia led into the final day by just one shot over Welshman Garry Houston but when he reached the turn in four under 32, his break was such that he appeared to have the title in safe keeping. He was three ahead of his nearest challengers at that point, Houston and Swede, Gustafsson, who was playing some four holes ahead.
Garcia brought some interest back into the outcome of the event when he bogeyed the 10th and 14th and he then had a real fight on his hands. He was tied at 13 under with the clubhouse leader at that time, Gustafsson, who birdied the 16th and 17th to get that share of the lead. The par three, 16th, would prove the difference when the 25-year-old Garcia holed a chip from just off the green and was then able to par the last two holes to take his second win of the 2005. The other of course had come at the Booz Allen tournament on the USPGA Tour.
Garcia has a place in Crans Montana, which adjoins the town of Crans Sur Sierre and along with Adam Scott who also has a residence there is making the Swiss ski resort a haven for high profile professional golfers.
Gustafsson, in his first full season on the European Tour following his Medallist honours at the Tour School last year, recorded his second runner up placing in his rookie season following his second in Spain earlier in the season. Gustafsson is the leading rookie on the European Tour money list in 2005, now in 40th place, and stands a good chance of taking out the Rookie of the Year honours. England's Richard Finch is the next best in 44th place.
Paul Casey, who had made a brilliant start to the final round with an eagle at the par five first and a birdie at the second, still had a chance when he reached the 16th. At that point he was sharing the lead with Garcia and Gustafsson but when he bogeyed and ten minutes later Garcia chipped in, it was all but over. Casey though will no doubt be elated with his return to form after a few months in the doldrums. His last few weeks have seen improvement following a three month period where he had lost his way completely.
Luke Donald did well in defence of his title but a poor finish over the last few holes cost him any chance. He shared 4th with Garry Houston who all but guaranteed himself security for 2006 with his great week.
The best of the Australasians was Peter O'Malley in 34th, Wade Ormsby, Stephen Scahill and Peter Senior were 48th and Brett Rumford 69th.
The European Tour now heads to Cologne in Germany for the Linde German Masters.
Photo - Anthony Powter
