Jonathan Caldwell SECURES maiden European Tour title at Scandinavian Mixed
The Northern Irishman once worked in a golf store while trying to make it as a professional player, but now he was won his first European Tour title.
Jonathan Caldwell claimed his first European Tour victory at the ground-breaking Scandinavian Mixed, hosted by Henrik Stenson and Annika Sorenstam.
The Northern Irishman produced a stunning birdie at the final hole in Sweden to overcome the challenges of Adrian Otaegui and Alice Hewson.
It was a fitting end to the co-sanctioned European Tour and Ladies European Tour event as Hewson had an opportunity coming down the stretch to force a playoff with Caldwell.
"The best shot of his life"
Jonathan Caldwell birdies 18 to set the clubhouse target at -17. #ScandinavianMixed pic.twitter.com/hl9G0XDIC6— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) June 13, 2021
The 37-year-old Caldwell had set the clubhouse lead on 17-under-par after equalling the best round of the week of 8-under-par, which was rounded off with a remarkable second shot from the rough for a tap-in closing birdie.
Spain's Otaegui had an opportunity to clinch the title at the death after giving himself a birdie chance at the 72nd hole for an 18-under-par total, but unfortunately, he three-putted.
Hewson, the last person standing to force extra holes, made a par on the last hole to shoot 3-under-par to finish as the highest-placed Ladies European Tour in third place behind Otaegui second.
Caldwell's emotional winner's interview #ScandinavianMixed pic.twitter.com/asCJiB7RXL
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) June 13, 2021
Caldwell now has a life-changing victory having struggled to make his mark on the professional game for 13 years, while at times working part-time in a golf store.
"My immediate feelings are probably a bit of disbelief if I'm honest, it's been a dream of mine for quite a long time obviously," said Caldwell.
"A lot of hard work goes into it so it hasn't quite sunk in yet but hopefully more to come. In 2009 I played my first year, lost my card, played mini-tours and Challenge Tour down the years, worked as well in a local golf store so it's been a long road. But finally, I'm here."
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