The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Girlfriend plays key part in victory for Stalter
Frenchman Joel Stalter shot a two-under-par 68 to win the Euram Bank Open in Austria by two strokes on Saturday.
The 28-year-old carded three birdies and a bogey as he claimed his second career victory, and first on the European Tour, with a final score of 14 under par at Golf Club Adamstal in Ramsau.
Having his girlfriend as caddie helped, he said.
“I have been in this situation a few times and was never able to really push through,” he said.
“My girlfriend was on the bag this week. She has done an incredible job, she kept me going,” he added.
“It was a horrible day in terms of the conditions.
“It was tough for everyone. The course played probably 1,000 yards longer, but my girlfriend had her smile on and just kept me going.
“We just had fun. I was playing really well and I just really enjoyed it, even though it was a tough day.
“I didn’t know I was leading until the 13th hole. Then I took my chance and really pushed through.
“I feel like today is a tribute to the last two years of getting slapped in the face a lot. I just kept pushing and believing.
“I felt nervous (over the last two holes) but I just tried to enjoy it as much as I could.
“It’s what we train for. All the tough days, this is what makes up for it.
“I just tried to stay in my game and do my best.”
England’s Richard Mansell finished second on 12 under after a oneover-par final round of 71.
He said: “If you had asked me at the start of the week, ‘Would you take a second place finish on your own?’ Yes. But with four holes to play when you’ve got a one-footer to tie the lead, or if you could just birdie the last, it’s difficult to swallow, but I’ll be back again.
“I know I’ll have more chances.
“This week has given me a lot of confidence.
I’m happy with where my game’s at so we’ll see what happens next.
“I am good enough. I think I’ve always known that. I’ve just been waiting for a result. Now I’ve got that I just have that confidence, so I can go ahead and play freely now.”
Robin Sciot-Siegrist, who had held a three-shot lead overnight, slumped out of contention as he ran up a five-over 75.
Meldrum House’s Chris Robb finished tied 32nd on three under.