Warren ends long drought
VIENNA: Marc Warren captured his first European Tour title in six years on Sunday with a one-shot victory in the Austrian Open despite playing without his caddie who failed to pass a coronavirus test in time.
The Scotsman birdied two of the last four holes for his first title since 2014, when he triumphed in Denmark.
However, victory was achieved despite having to carry his own bags over the four rounds after his caddie failed to meet coronavirus protocols and was barred from the event at the Diamond Country Club.
“Carrying my bag this week probably helped tone it down a little, just going out and playing and seeing what happens. The result couldn’t have been any better,” said the champion.
“Hopefully this is the one and only time, no matter what I say, I do enjoy the caddie’s company.”
Warren, who started the final round of the first European Tour event since March tied for the lead with German Nicolai Von Dellingshausen, opened with a birdie on Sunday.
But after three birdies and four bogeys over the next 11 holes, he needed his late rally to hold off Marcel Schneider and Sebastian Garcia Rodriguez.
Veteran Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez, who had led before a disastrous third round, finished tied for eighth after shooting 70.
The season continues in Austria this week with the Euram Bank Open.
LEADING FINAL ROUND SCORES
(par-72, GBR/IRL unless stated)
275 — Marc Warren 66 69 70 70
276 — Marcel Schneider (GER) 69 69 69 69
277 — Wil Besseling (NED) 68 69 74 66
278 — Craig Howie 66 69 74 69, Sebastian Garcia Rodriguez (ESP) 70 67 69 72, Darius Van Driel (NED) 71 65 70 72, Connor Syme 67 70 69 72