Bourdy makes it two from two for France
BY Bruce Young | European PGA Tour | 2008 Estoril Open de Portugal | Round Four | 07 Apr 2008
Gregory Bourdy made it two from two for French golfers when he followed up Thomas Levet’s win last week in Spain with a playoff win of his own at the Estoril Open de Portugal. Bourdy won at the third extra hole after Scotland’s Alistair Forsyth was knocked out at the first hole and the Englishman David Howell bogeyed the third.
For the 25-year-old Bourdy it was his second European Tour victory having won the Mallorca Classic late last year. There had not been a lot to get excited about for Bourdy in 2008 prior to this week but after a brilliant start with opening rounds of 63, 65 and 68, Bourdy held a massive four shot lead heading into the final round. Sometimes leads of that nature can be deceptive and when he stumbled through the first five holes in three over, Bourdy has opened the door for those behind him.
Forsyth, who won two weeks ago on the Maidera Islands, was initially not able to take advantage of the leader’s struggles as he too battled through the opening holes. It would be Miles Tunnicliffe, who would make the biggest move early in the round when he raced through the turn in four under and at that point had moved to 16 under and had the lead.
David Howell had also staked his claim for the title when he moved to 14 under by the turn after a front nine of 33.
Howell and Bourdy appeared to be fighting the title out as they traded birdies through the back nine and Tunnicliffe was unable to capitalise on his fast start. Forsyth, though, added consecutive birdies at the final two holes to catch and join the pair in a playoff.
Forsyth’s joy in his big finish was short lived as at the second extra hole he was unplayable from the tee, took bogey and was out of there.
For Howell it was a special week despite the narrow loss. He has played The Masters the past three years and done reasonably well but he won’t be at Augusta this year after injuries through 2007 saw him slip considerably in the world rankings. His final round of 64 will offer much encouragement to a player good enough to have contended – in 2006 – for the title of number one player in Europe.
Tunnicliffe finished fourth while Gonzalo Federez Castano, who led at various stages in the final round, was unable to finish it off but had a very good week.
There were only two Australians in the event and only Matthew Millar made the cut although he finished well back. New Zealander Gareth Paddison continues his progress with a 24th place finish.
The European Tour leaves the stage open for Augusta this week before the European Tour heads east for the Volvo China Open on April 17th.
