Fortune favours super Mac
GREAT BRITAIN went within touching distance of a Nations Cup win at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead.
Despite seeing their top rider – former world No 1 showjumper Scott Brash – eliminated in both rounds, Britain pushed eventual winners Ireland to a jump-off. But Anthony Condon delivered a brilliant performance with SFS Aristio, clocking 41.29secs to thwart Britain’s Holly Smith, riding Hearts Destiny.
Defeat meant Britain have not won the Prince of Wales Trophy since 2010. RICHARD McEVOY won his maiden European Tour title after a dramatic finish to the European Open in Hamburg.
The 39-year-old Englishman sunk a 20-foot putt for birdie on the final hole to secure a one-shot victory ahead of Renato Paratore, Christofer Blomstrand and Allen John.
McEvoy, from Southend-on-Sea, had started the final day in a share of the lead with Bryson DeChambeau but successive bogeys late in his round saw the American fall out of contention.
McEvoy is now the first player this season to win on the Challenge Tour and European Tour in successive weeks after his triumph at the Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge.
“It was a roller-coaster ride big time,” he said.
“But I fought hard, I believed and even at the last I overpowered my caddie to lay it up and give myself the best opportunity to make birdie and managed to do it. I’ve tried to enjoy my golf as much as possible.
“Not that I haven’t been, but I needed to do that little bit more and it’s just come up proper trumps.” McEvoy’s final round of 73, which saw him finish on 11 under par, was far from perfect but enough.
Meanwhile, Miguel Angel Jimenez held his nerve to claim victory in the Seniors Open at St Andrews yesterday.
The Spaniard won by one stroke from two-time US Masters champion Bernhard Langer after a close final round. The pair were level before a birdie on the ninth set up Jimenez for victory.
Colin Montgomerie was best-placed Briton in a share of 14th.