Gardarsson wins Duke of York Young Champions Trophy

Iceland's Ragnar Gardarsson came through a three-hole play off to win the Duke of York Young Champions Trophy at Royal Troon on Thursday

Iceland's Ragnar Gardarsson overcame the gusting 40-mph winds to secure victory in the 2012 Duke of York Young Champions Trophy at Royal Troon on Thursday.

The 17-year-old triumphed in a three-hole play-off over England's Max Orrin and Slovenia's Katja Pogacar after the trio finished on nine-over-par 255 for the 54 holes.

The tournament - inaugurated in 2001 - is an international strokeplay event for boys and girls, who are either the current holders of their under-18 national championship or have won some other major golfing event in the preceding year.

Pogacar, the Slovenian Girls Champion, held a two-shot lead overnight, and three-putted on the final green to fall back into the play-off.

The 18-year-old missed from four feet at the first before bogeying the 18th, the second play-off hole, to end her hopes of becoming only the second female winner of the event.

Gardarsson and Orrin, 18, continued the play-off, with the former prevailing after a fine up-and-down from sand at the third extra hole.

"It's the best round I've ever played in bad weather. It's been a really fun this week and I've enjoyed it very much," said Gardarsson.

"Thanks to all involved for a wonderful tournament on an amazing course. It's been a great experience and I've made many new friends."

Orrin, who missed from six feet to win at the second extra hole, added: "I thought it was going to be Katja's week, so it was disappointing for me to miss my chance to win.

"I'm frustrated, but there are so many positives for me."

Nick Bonfield
Features Editor

Nick Bonfield joined Golf Monthly in 2012 after graduating from Exeter University and earning an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon. He is responsible for managing production of the magazine, sub-editing, writing, commissioning and coordinating all features across print and online. Most of his online work is opinion-based and typically centres around the Majors and significant events in the global golfing calendar. Nick has been an avid golf fan since the age of ten and became obsessed with the professional game after watching Mike Weir and Shaun Micheel win The Masters and PGA Championship respectively in 2003. In his time with Golf Monthly, he's interviewed the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabal, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Billy Horschel and has ghost-written columns for Westwood, Wayne Riley, Matthew Southgate, Chris Wood and Eddie Pepperell. Nick is a 12-handicap golfer and his favourite courses include Old Head, Sunningdale New, Penha Longha, Valderrama and Bearwood Lakes. If you have a feature pitch for Nick, please email nick.bonfield@futurenet.com with 'Pitch' in the subject line. Nick is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade M1 Fairway wood: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid: Ping Crossover Irons (4-9): Nike Vapor Speed Wedges: Cleveland CBX Full Face, 56˚, Titleist Vokey SM4, 60˚ Putter: testing in progress! Ball: TaylorMade TP5x