Cape Argus

Noren bounces back with a 10-under final round to win BMW Championsh­ip

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A BARNSTORMI­NG 10-under-par 62 propelled Swede Alexander Noren to a course record as he romped to a comefrom-behind victory in the BMW PGA Championsh­ip at Wentworth yesterday.

The world number 13, who started the final round of the European Tour’s flagship event seven shots off the pace, galloped through the field with four birdies on the front nine.

Noren also blitzed his way to a birdie hat-trick from the 12th. He picked up another stroke at the 16th and then delivered a majestic five-iron to four feet on the last before sparking roars from the crowd by sinking his putt for an eagle three.

“That was probably my best ever,” the 34-year-old said of a round that secured the biggest victory of his career. “It’s a tough course mentally coming down the stretch.

“It’s not super narrow but it’s just if you hit it a little bit wayward it can cost you and I putted probably the best I’ve ever putted,” added Noren after finishing with an 11-under total of 277.

Scores tumbled on yesterday as the strong winds of Friday and Saturday gave way to calm conditions and plenty of rounds in the mid-60s on a course that had a multi-million-dollar revamp following last year’s tournament.

The day began in bright sunshine before the weather suddenly turned midway through the afternoon, forcing the later starters to contend with driving rain.

Noren, who had four victories in a spectacula­r season last year, picked up his ninth tour win.

“This is probably the happiest moment ever,” he said. “I wasn’t thinking much of the deficit, I was just trying to play a good round of golf. I felt I had a lot of adrenaline the whole round. It’s a nice feeling to have.” – Reuters

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