Englishman Simon Dyson won the Dutch Open for the third time in six years on Sunday after shooting a fine final round of four-under-par 66.
The 33-year-old — who joins greats such as Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer in winning the title three times — edged out compatriot David Lynn by a stroke.
Northern Ireland’s US Open champion Rory McIlroy shot a 68 to take third spot, while world No. 2 Lee Westwood shot a 66 like Dyson to jump from 18th spot to fifth.
Photo: Reuters
Dyson said it meant a lot to have his name lined up alongside the late Ballesteros and Langer.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be on the same trophy as names like those two,” said Dyson, who won the Irish Open earlier this season.
“It’s something special, a dream come true really. To win any title once is tough, but to win it three times is a fantastic feeling,” he said. “I started a bit shakily — my timing was just a little bit off — but after my bogey on 11, I played pretty flawless golf.”
Dyson did brilliantly to stave off McIlroy’s challenge as the exuberant 22-year-old fired in three early birdies, but failed to build on that and his two birdies on the final two holes were too little too late.
However, McIlroy was satisfied with his performance even though surprisingly it still leaves him without a win on the European Tour.
“It’s not been a bad two weeks,” said McIlroy, who finished third last weekend in the European Masters his first tournament since injuring his right wrist at the USPGA Championship last month. “To be able to give myself a chance when I didn’t have my best stuff I was quite pleased, but I should have made more of that fast start.”
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