Leaney coasts to second Dutch win

Australian Stephen Leaney secured his second Dutch Open title following a final round of 68 to win by four shots in Noordwijkse.

Holding a three shot lead overnight, the 1998 winner never looked in trouble and won at a canter, nineteen-under-par, four ahead of German Bernhard Langer.

The 31-year-old played near faultless golf, dropping just one shot, firing 20 birdies and paying no visits to a bunker all week to take his third European tour title.

Wearing the familiar final day colours of Tiger Woods – red and black – the Aussie produced a Tiger like victory but explained it wasn’t a deliberate decision.

“It was more the way my clothes came out the suitcase this week. But perhaps I should wear them a bit more often.”

After holing a 20-foot putt on the 371-yard seventh, he picked up further birdies at the three remaining par fives to cruise home.

"I bet there are other guys who made more birdies than me, but my main goal was not to make a bogey.

"I had total belief in my swing and I was really on mentally, which I've not been for the last six or eight months."

Leaney was also pleased that a change back to his old putter reaped its reward. “I lost my way a bit after my 1998 win but my old Titelist putter felt good but I also played consistently well from tee to green.

“After I hit my tee shot at the 14th, I felt comfortable and it was nice coming down the last knowing I could hit five putts and still win.

“The key was not to make too many mistakes today and be patient. I’ll be having next week off and then play in the British Masters before going home for three weeks – unless I sneak into the US PGA.”

Defending champion Lee Westwood put up a brave performance but had to settle for a tied third finish following a final round of 69. He was joined by Swede Mathias Gronberg, who bogeyed the last, and Argentina's Angel Cabrera.

Westwood, who would have gone top of the European Order of Merit if he had won, said: "I really didn't play very well all week.

"I didn't feel comfortable over the ball, so to finish third was pretty reasonable. The longest putt I holed all week was from 18 feet and I would expect to make some from further than that."

Darren Clarke, who could have also overtaken Ernie Els at the top of the money list, had a last-day 71 that left him 17th and he goes to Sweden this week still £10,000 behind Els.

Email this page to a friend | Return to top of page