Sweden’s Alexander Noren won the Omega European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre in Switzerland by two shots from Bradley Dredge of Wales. It was Noren’s first victory on the European Tour.
After a brilliant third round of 63, Noren carried a two-shot lead into the final day and he stamped his authority over the field early on by making four birdies in his first seven holes.
2006 champion Bradley Dredge played some excellent golf to mount a challenge but his hopes were extinguished by a brilliant shot from Noren on the 15th. The Swede put his second shot into a bunker on the long par 5 but he then holed the pitch from sand for an eagle three and effectively sealed victory.
“I was so happy when that bunker shot went in,” Noren said. “I’ve never felt so good about my game and to win was just brilliant.”
In addition to picking up his first Tour title and a cheque for €333,330, Noren also takes the early lead in the race to secure a 2010 Ryder Cup spot. “Now I’ll just have to stay there.” He said.
Dredge was philosophical in defeat and pleased to be showing a return to form. "It was a fun battle, and Alex produced a great shot on the 15th - so congratulations to him”
Rory McIlroy played an excellent final round of 64 to climb into a tie for seventh and he has put himself in a great position to finish the season as number one on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai.
Omega European Masters Crans-sur-Sierre, Switzerland Sep 3-6, purse €1,996,350, par 71
1 Alexander Noren (Swe) 65 70 63 66 264 €333,330 2 Bradley Dredge (Wal) 68 65 68 65 266 €222,220 3 Ross McGowan (Eng) 67 67 68 65 267 €125,200 4 Miguel Angel Jimenez (Esp) 65 68 69 67 269 €100,000 5 Thongchai Jaidee (Tha) 65 71 67 67 270 €84,800 6 Charl Schwartzel (RSA) 67 68 65 71 271 €70,000 T7 Simon Dyson (Eng) 63 71 73 65 272 €48,700 T7 David Howell (Eng) 68 69 68 67 272 €48,700 T7 Rory McIlroy (NIR) 67 71 70 64 272 €48,700 T7 Angelo Que (Phi) 69 65 68 70 272 €48,700
Player scores listed in bold signifies Titleist ball usage only
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