Forsyth wins Madeira Open in playoff
IN: News | European PGA | Madeira Islands Open (2008) | Round Four | by Bruce Young | 24 Mar 2008
Scotland’s Alistair Forsyth overcame a five shot deficit to win his second European Tour event and his first in six years when he defeated long time leader Hennie Otto at the first extra hole of a playoff at the Madeira Islands Open BPI.
Having not made a cut in his five previous starts in season 2008, this was a significant turnaround for the 32-year-old Glaswegian although he would say later that there were good signs over the past two starts that things were improving.
Otto, who had control of the event from midway through round two and took a five shot lead into today’s final round, made a solid start on day four when he birdied the first and second holes but the tide began to turn when he bogeyed the third and fourth holes. Forsyth had also made a good start and reached the turn in 33 to reduce the gap to just one after Otto struggled after his fast start.
Forsyth moved ahead when he birdied the 11th and 12th but, after he had three putted the 17th, both players moved to the last hole tied at 14 under although well clear of their nearest pursuers.
Both hit superb approaches at the last and converted from 7 feet but when the pair returned to the same hole for the first of the playoff it was Forsyth who made his birdie putt from a similar range after Otto had missed his last chance to apply pressure when he missed from only a foot or so longer.
“I felt as if I should have won once or twice last year as I had a lot of chances going into the final round but today I got off to a good start and Hennie was unlucky on the greens being unable to make a putt all day,” said Forsyth who recorded staggering 26 birdies and two eagles over the 72 holes.
For Otto, who is without full status on the European Tour, it was a disappointing missed opportunity to win his first European Tour event and gain playing security.
“I went over 30 putts today and if you do that you lose a tournament. Still I am in next week now and so another week to try again,” said the South African referring to the fact that this finish gives him another chance in Spain next week despite his limited European Tour status.
England’s, Gary Clark, who played with the playoff pair in the final round, birdied the final hole to break clear of first round leader, Sven Struver and secure third place, his best ever finish on the European Tour.
The best of the Australasians was Matthew Millar who continues to go quietly about his business on the European Tour. After an opening round of 75 it was quite a comeback for the 31-year-old from Canberra who secured just his fourth top ten on the European Tour. It was a bitter sweet day for Millar however as, after working himself into a position to contend for a top five or better finish, he dropped three shots over the closing stages.
Amongst the other Australasians, New Zealander Gareth Paddison had his best finish as a cardholder when 15th in a week where he aced on the opening day. Wade Ormsby was 38th and Steve Alker 51st.
The European Tour now moves to Spain for this week’s Mapfre Open de Andalucia by Vale Romano.
