| Hilversum,
Netherlands, 26th July 1998 -
Australia's Stephen Leaney faced a severe test from Britain's Ryder Cup player
Darren Clarke before winning the Dutch Open at Hilversum on Sunday to earn his
second European Tour title in his rookie year. Leaney,
29, began the final round two strokes ahead of the field, but expected to be threatened
by his playing-partner, current European number one Lee Westwood or triple major
champion Nick Price. Instead
it was Clarke who provided the danger as the Northern Ireland man made a blazing
start and went on to equal the course record before being squeezed out by just
a stroke. A
four-under-par 67 was just good enough for Leaney to follow up his Moroccan
Open success earlier in the year as he totalled 18-under-par 266. Clarke's
63, with an eagle and two birdies over his opening four holes, was just one stroke
short and that came with a three-putt bogey on the 10th which was to deny him
at least a playoff. A
£133,330 first prize vaulted Leaney up to eighth place on the European rankings
in his first year on tour. Westwood's
consolation came from extending his lead on top of the European rankings over
five-times number one Colin Montgomerie as he, too, carded 67 for 268. Price
shot 66 to share third place, with Italy's Costantino Rocca claiming fifth place
on 270 after a 65. Winner
Leaney's career was threatened five years ago when he needed a serious rib operation
to remove pressure on his shoulder bone, but the young Australian is becoming
a force in Europe now he is fit. He
won his first title in Agadir by eight strokes, the highest winning margin in
Europe this year, and this time proved he can battle under pressure after being
tested severely by Clarke. Although
the Irishman stayed on his shoulder, Leaney was always able to keep at least a
one stroke distance. "I
knew what I had to do and kept my mind on the job." said Leaney. "Now
I hope I can go on to greater things." But
the death of fellow pro Stuart Appleby's wife in a car accident in London last
Thursday put the victory in perspective for the golfer. "My
very close friend Stuart Appleby lost his wife last week and I was thinking about
it all through the weekend," he said. "If I'd lost it just wouldn't
have been a big deal." | 
