Warren ends title drought with victory in Austria

Scotland’s Marc Warren registered his first European Tour victory since 2014 as he triumphed at the Austrian Open yesterday.

Warren, having started the day with a share of the lead alongside one German in Nicolai Von Dellingshausen, finished a shot clear of another, Marcel Schneider, on 13 under par at the Diamond Country Club near Vienna.

The lead was being shared by Warren and Spain’s Sebastian Garcia Rodriguez before the former posted his sixth birdie of the day on the 17th.

After Garcia Rodriguez, then a shot behind, subsequently hit his tee shot into the water on the 18th, a par for Warren secured him his fourth European Tour title.

Warren said: “It’s massive. Going from a few hours ago I didn’t have full status, now to be in a winner’s category and plan the year a little bit is good.

“I just need to keep doing what I’m doing, trying to hit one shape all the time and when I do play try and do that and try not to mess about too much.

“The last time I’ve won was 2014 and I’ve played very poorly on the golf course in the years since then.

“The break has been unfortunate for everyone but it came at a good time for me, spending some time at home and trying to get my game ready to play golf.

“It was nice to have such a long break with the family. The last few weeks I’ve been able to get some good work done and get ready to play golf.”

Warren claimed the title while playing without a caddie and the Glaswegian felt carrying his own clubs helped him remain focused.

He added: “Carrying my bag this week probably helped tone it down a little, just going out and playing and seeing what happens. The first time since 2005 – so 15 years.

“Hopefully this is the one and only time, no matter what I say, I do enjoy the caddie’s company. Last night I had a few nice texts from some of the caddies who are good friends. I didn’t say it, but I was thinking I could have done with one of them on Saturday. It was brutal.”

The tournament was the first European Tour event since the sporting shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Its results count toward both the Race to Dubai and the Challenge Tour’s Road to Mallorca.

Drumoig’s Connor Syme finished tied fourth on 10-under alongside fellow Scot Craig Howie.

Marc Warren with the Austrian Open silverware.