Rumford coasts to four stroke victory

Australian Brett Rumford achieved his ambition of claiming a prestigious title when he closed with a five-under-par 67 to win the Irish Open by four strokes on Sunday.

Rumford, a maiden European Tour winner in last year's Aa St Omer Open in France, finished at 14-under 274 total to secure the winner's cheque for $400,000.

Irishman Padraig Harrington and Raphael Jacquelin of France carded matching 67s to tie for second at 10 under with overnight leader Peter Lonard of Australia a further stroke back in fourth after slipping to a 73.

The 26-year-old Rumford had considered his Aa St Omer win a "hollow" one as that tournament was combined with the lesser European Challenge Tour and only offered a one-year playing exemption for the winner.

The Irish Open was very different, with Rumford having to beat the likes of world number eight Harrington and his more experienced compatriot Lonard, who had led for the first three rounds and was one stroke clear going into the last day.

However, a run of three birdies from the second hole put Rumford clear of the field and he never relinquished his lead after that.

He effectively sealed his second European Tour title by chipping in from ankle-deep rough at the par-three 15th, after coming up 30 yards short off the tee.

"The St Omer win was good but beating the likes of Padraig, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley and Peter, who are all up there, is great," said a jubilant Rumford, who could even afford the luxury of a bogey at the par-five 18th.

"This was a strong field this time.

"The 15th was the point where I relaxed but your stomach just grinds all day even with a five-shot lead going to the last."

The Australian, now realising the potential indicated by an illustrious amateur career, will celebrate his 27th birthday on Tuesday with another bonus.

His Irish Open victory has gained him a place at next month's prestigious WGC-NEC Invitational in Akron, Ohio.

Harrington showed little sign of the neck and shoulder problems that troubled him at this month's British Open and gave him concern at County Louth at the start of this week.

Birdies at the first three holes helped him put some pressure on the charging Rumford but he ran out of steam after finding a bunker at the par-three seventh and dropping a shot.

Although delighted with his closing 67, Harrington says he will take a two-week break to give his body time to recover.

"I'm a hairsbreadth from breaking down physically," said the Irishman. "I was fine today but I'm pushing it and I need to take a rest."

Jacquelin climbed two more places up the European Ryder Cup points ladder with his second runner-up finish of the season.

At 13 in the standings, he is one of three French players pushing hard for a debut in Bernhard Langer's team to take on the United States this September, along with Jean-Francois Remesy and Thomas Levet.

"I have three tournaments left to qualify, so why not a Ryder Cup place?" said Jacquelin.

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