South Africa’s Branden Grace putts out on the 9th hole during day two of the 2016 AAM Scottish Open at Castle Stuart Golf Links in Inverness, Scotland, Friday July 8, 2016.
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In the end, the Aberdonian came up short, finishing three behind the victor, Sweden’s Alex Noren, who posted a 14-under total after a final-round 70 to secure his fifth European Tour title, as well as a cheque for £583,330.
“In the Joburg Open I finished third and lost out via the tiebreaker of lowest world ranking”, Walters added.
“It got a little bit frustrating from holes five to 11 – I’d hoped to make a couple of birdies but it just didn’t happen – and there was a “must birdie” I made on 12 and after that it felt pretty nice”.
“I’m very happy”, Noren told reporters.
“I’ve had trouble with the driver a little bit”, he admitted.
But Noren held on holing a short par at the last to claim the 645,000 Euro ($713,000) first prize cheque – the highest of his 11-year professional career.
“They’ve changed a few bunkers and I’m pleasantly surprised at how good the course is – and how well I’m playing it!”
Noren finished at the top of the leaderboard for a third straight day, carding a two-under 70 to finish on 14 under for the tournament.
Tyrrell Hatton, Nicolas Colsaerts, Matteo Manassero and Richie Ramsay secured the last four Open qualification spots at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.
“The great thing was I played to win, which is a great feeling when you’re in that position in front of a home crowd on a great course”.
“When the weather got bad, I managed to dig in and get some birdies”, McDowell said.
Russell Knox shot 67 for a nine-under finish and a top-ten in his home Scottish Open, a week when his only regret was that he couldn’t challenge closer, largely due to not making the adjustment from United States conditions on the greens.
The Scottish Open could finish on a Saturday in future to avoid a clash with the Wimbledon men’s singles final, according to the tournament sponsor.
Hatton was unable to match his round of 66 from Saturday, but a trio of birdies earned him second place and a spot at next week’s Open Championship at Royal Troon.
“My game certainly feels better after today’s round where I had a good score”.
In 2010, the then 17-year old Manassero became the youngest victor in the history of the Tour in capturing the Castellon Masters. But I played well. He now heads to Royal Troon looking to try to become the first Swedish male to win a major championship.
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Champions – Paul Goydos shot a 6-under 66 to forge a tie for the lead with John Riegger after two rounds of the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open in Endicott, N.Y.
