An Victorious at Wentworth
By Gavin Campbell, Director of Instruction, Royal Golf Club
Byeong Hun An ended a record-breaking BMW PGA Championship as only the third rookie to win the European Tour's flagship event after a stunning performance on the final day.
The South Korean displayed composure beyond his 23 years on the biggest stage as he left a high-quality chasing pack in his wake with a flawless seven-under 65, earning him a comprehensive six-shot victory over veteran duo Miguel Angel Jimenez and Thongchai Jaidee.
An, who emulated the likes of Bernard Gallacher and Arnold Palmer by winning on his debut at Wentworth, collected his maiden victory in thrilling style after starting the final round tied for the lead with Francesco Molinari.
The 2009 US Amateur champion soon found himself in the outright lead when Molinari fluffed a chip at the opening hole and bogeyed, and An went two clear with a confident 15-foot putt for birdie at the second.
Molinari revived his chances with birdies at the fourth and fifth, only to give both shots back at seven and nine to leave An heading into the back nine with a one-shot advantage over Jaidee.
But An simply responded with another pure iron to three feet on the 15th for his fourth birdie of the day, and he effectively put the tournament beyond reach with a well-crafted four at the penultimate hole.
Molinari then left the stage clear for An to two-putt for a cast-iron par which saw him break yet another tournament record with his winning score of 21 under par.
In America a 7ft par saving putt on the last saw Chris Kirk win his 4th PGATour event at the Crowne Plaza Invitational.
With a closing 66 Kirk finished the tournament on 12 under par one shot ahead of Masters Champion Jordan Spieth, Brandt Snedeker and Jason Bohn.
Also in America Colin Montgomerie retained his Senior PGA Championship title with a final round 69 by four shots from Esteban Toledo. It is Colin’s 3rd senior major title in the last year.
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