Vincent Norrman seals win after Rory McIlroy meltdown
Vincent Norrman completed a final-day comeback to secure his second DP World Tour title at the Irish Open.
With inclement weather interrupting the final day of the Horizon Irish Open, Vincent Norrman held his nerve to put together an outstanding Sunday of golf, chasing down the overnight leader to win by one shot, thanks to a final round seven-under 65.
Starting the day six shots behind leader Hurly Long, Norrman, 25, put together a scintillating run of six birdies between the 7th and 14th holes to climb into contention on the final day.
Vincent Norrman wins the Horizon Irish Open with a stunning final round 65 #HorizonIrishOpen pic.twitter.com/zZ45pqvNax
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 10, 2023
Also birdieing the final hole, Norrman walked off the 18th green an hour and a half before the final group, having set -14 as the score to beat in the clubhouse.
With the likes of Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Long in hot pursuit, it would have undoubtedly been a nervous wait for the young Swede. McIlroy ended his chances of a second Irish Open title when he found the water on four occasions, eventually slipping down the leaderboard to finish T16.
Rory finds the water at the 7th.#HorizonIrishOpen pic.twitter.com/m4ZmD0aLcE
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 10, 2023
Long briefly joined Norrman on top of the leaderboard with a birdie on the 12th hole, but two bogeys in quick succession saw the German needing an Eagle on the final hole to force a playoff, which he couldn't manage.
One of the best par saves you'll see all season! @VincentNorrman produced some magic on route to winning the Irish Open.#HorizonIrishOpen pic.twitter.com/CtASM3jO3h
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 10, 2023
With speculation over his Ryder Cup inclusion hanging over him, Shane Lowry did a fantastic job of reassuring his doubters why Luke Donald has placed his trust in him. The Irishman finished tied for third, only two shots back from Norrman, and he will be hoping he can continue his excellent form into this week's BMW Championship, where he will attempt to defend his 2022 title.
The win marks Norrman's second DP World Tour victory on only his 14th start on the Tour, following success at the PGA Tour co-sanctioned Barbasol Championship that came only two months ago.
Following Ludvig Aberg's win at the Omega European Masters, Norrman's win makes it back-to-back wins for Sweden's young superstars. Could we be witnessing the start of a golden generation for Swedish men's golf? It certainly looks like it.
Vincent Norrman WITB 2023
Driver: Titleist TSR3 (10 degrees; Mitsubishi TENSEI AV Series Orange 65)
3-Wood: PING G430 Max (15 degrees; Mitsubishi TENSEI 1K Pro White 70)
5-Wood: PING G430 Max (18 degrees; Mitsubishi TENSEI 1K Pro White 80)
Irons: Titleist 620 CB (3-5) Titleist 620 MB (6-PW) True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM9 (52,56,60) True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue S400
Putter: TaylorMade Spider X
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
Johnny joined GolfMagic as Reviews Editor in 2023 having worked for Sports Impact for two years as Head of Social Media, working alongside prominent golf brands including Galvin Green, Motocaddy and Wilson.
