THE NEW FACE OF GOLF
Unheralded Noren set for big things says Stenson
HENRIK STENSON claimed Alex Noren will be the next Swedish Major winner after the new world No.8 claimed the BMW PGA with a stunning final-round 62.
Starting seven shots off the overnight lead, Noren set a new course record with his eight birdies and an eagle on the 18th after clubbing his five-iron to four feet.
He posted his 11-under par total two hours before the end of play. And as the rain came down on the new West Course, nobody could get hot enough to stop his fifth win in 11 months – and his third in the UK.
Noren, who shot 75 on Friday and double-bogeyed the last on Saturday, said: “It feels very amazing and very crazy because I had no intention of trying to win this morning. I didn’t even think about.
“It was probably my best round ever, probably the happiest moment. It feels unreal.” Compatriot and Open champion Stenson, who finished tied-third, said: “He was six-under for the last seven holes – that is a great round. It would be hard to say you can’t see a Major for him if he keeps on playing like that.”
Francesco Molinari finished second two shots back while Graeme Storm was the top home player in tied-sixth after a closing 68.
Andrew ‘Beef ’ Johnston will play US Open qualifying at Walton Heath today after finishing tied-21st.