Joining Manassero and Hatton in securing spots for The Open – the only one of golf s four Majors staged outside the United States – were Colsaerts and Scotland s Richie Ramsay (67) who shared sixth place on 11-under par.
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“I’m so happy it’s over because it was a tough, tough leaderboard”, Noren told reporters after shaking off Lee and Hatton with birdies at the 12th and 15th. “It was just not a cruising win at all”, said Noren, who had been the 54-hole leader for each of his previous four wins on the circuit. “I’ve just always accepted and relished that it’s part of the Open and I love playing in these conditions”, said the 2013 Open victor.
“But then it feels really good to win and to be heading now to The Open, though I have been having trouble with my driver a bit and the guys at Callaway changed the driver for me to one where the ball doesn t go too much right”.
Noren began the day with a two-shot lead, which disappeared after a bogey at No. 8 that left him tied with Lee.
Noren went into the last day leading by two shots.
That restored a two-shot cushion which proved enough to secure a hard-fought win and a rise from 99th in the world rankings to inside the top 50.
“I was set for night feeds from Tuesday on”, said the new Dad, who now gets another week off from those duties with baby daughter Olivia.
“I’ve played it [The Open] three times before and I don’t think I’ve done myself justice but this time we’ve got a little daughter to take along so I think she’ll enjoy her first major”. It’s more of a treat for her.
“All I was trying to do was put in a good round and then deal with the weather that rolled in, but the good thing the course soaked up the rain, while other courses would have flooded”.
“The great thing was I played to win today, which is a great feeling when you’re in that position in front of a home crowd on a great golf course”.
Former Scottish and British Open champion Mickelson finished with a 66 to share 13th place at seven under par.
The Open starts on Thursday before concluding on Sunday, July 17.
“Now that Wimbledon has moved permanently, you have to look at it, and TV would be happier because they would have something on the Wednesday as well”.
Alex Noren claims victory at the Scottish Open. Keith wouldn’t be able to come back up to Scotland if he took it away.
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“Looking at it selfishly, it’s a nuisance”, Gilbert admitted.
