Maiden win for fisherman Brendan Mc Carroll

Ireland’s Brendan Mc Carroll won the 20^th Gösser Open presented by Martin Wiegele. He defeated Northern Ireland’s friend Gareth Shaw after second extra hole. A group of 3 players took 3^rd place on the podium. France’s Julien Gressier and Dominique Nouailhac and Italy’s Joon Kim.

It was one of the most amazing day of Alps Tour history. No less than 7 players were on course with a total of -13. Walkies talkies kept on announcing ties and photographers run from one group to another to be sure to have the winner in the box.

First to lead at the clubhouse was France’s Domnique Nouailhac. He shot 65. A few minutes later, fellow Julien Gressier signed for same score and same total, -13. At that moment, players in the last group were -12.

Austrian Jürgen Maurer stayed close to his playing partner during 10 holes but his swing seemed to abandon him hole after hole. On his side, Bendan Mc Carroll holed for birdy on the 13^th for -13. He hit great shot on 16^th to -14 as crowd applause Shaw’s birdy on 18^th for -14 as well. The two overnight “fishermen” went into a play off. As said at the price giving, the 2012 Gösser Open was in Irish hands.

Playing the 18^th hole for the second time, Shaw missed his tee shot on the left behind a tree and had to play 90° to the fairway and he couldn’t save par. Mc Carroll, 26 year old, grabbed his maiden trophy.

“I like the shape of the course, I can see the shots I have to play. It was easier than at home on links (Ballyliffin GC) I putted well this week but honestly, I never put me dead. I didn’t look at the leaderboard on the 18^th tee. I just wanted to play par. I felt very relax all day long. The shot of the day ? Maybe the second one on the par 5 16^th. I hit the green and I made a really good 20 meter put that let me 3 inches left. It was funny to get into a play off against Gareth. We went fishing together with Irishman yesterday. I am happy not to be second any more and obviously I would like to keep on playing well. My goal in the European tour.”

The new top 5 of Alps Tour order of merit is Jack Senior, Bredan Mc Carroll, Jesus Legarrea, Gareth Shaw and Joon Kim.

From Maria Lankowitz
Agathe Séron