European Tour: Karlberg takes down Kaymer in Italy

Sweden’s Rikard Karlberg won the Open D’Italia following a play-off with Martin Kaymer on a dramatic afternoon at Golf Club Milano.

Kaymer had led by three shots on 21 under at one point but a disappointing back nine saw him finish alongside Karlberg, who had crept through the field with a 67, at 19 under.

Both men had parred the 18th all week and they did so again on the first play-off hole but Karlberg made birdie at the second attempt following a terrific approach over the trees to claim his first European Tour title.
There were two or three tactical and clubbing mistakes" – Martin Kaymer “I thought I had a good chance this week because I have been playing very well lately but then when we were getting near to the end of the round I didn’t think I had done enough,” Karlberg said. 

“But then I managed the birdies at 16 and 17 which was good enough to get into the play-off. Then to go on and win against a player as good as Martin Kaymer in sudden-death makes it very special.

“It feels amazing to get my first win and it has been a pretty crazy year for me. I got married and now my wife is expecting twins in December! So to get my first win on Tour and to give myself such a huge boost in my career is pretty special.”

Kaymer admitted he was disappointed not to get the job done.

“We made too many mistakes on the back nine,” he said. 

“There were two or three tactical and clubbing mistakes. That happens sometimes but it shouldn’t have happened in that situation today because you need all the help you can get. We should have been more focused. I played well all week but not on the back nine today and that has cost me the tournament today.

“You have to say well done to Rikard. He made a great birdie to win after I had my chance in the first play-off hole. I had a good yardage to the flag but I didn’t really release the club and give myself a good chance for birdie. But I don’t want to take anything away from his win – he played a great final round then made a birdie to win the play-off so he deserved it.”