Magnificent Pavan denies Harrington at Czech Masters
What happened at the Czech Masters?
Andrea Pavan clinched his first victory on the European Tour after an epic final-round clash with Padraig Harrington at the Czech Masters.
Pavan produced his Sunday best with five birdies on the back nine, which saw him card a 5-under-par 67 to claim a two-stroke victory on 22-under.
Harrington started the day tied for the lead and the three-time major champion made the first move and birdied his opening hole, adding further gains at the 6th and 9th.
Looking for his first win since the 2016 Portugal Masters, Harrington held a two-stroke lead on the 15th tee, before missing a short par save which left him tied with Italian Pavan.
Already a four-time champion on the Challenge Tour, Pavan had the Irishman in his sights on the par-3 16th. A 160-yard carry with water lingering short of the green, Pavan’s wedge just made it and he took the lead outright when he drained the 25-foot birdie putt.
It took the 29-year-old three rounds to unlock the secret of the 17th – the hardest hole on the course, playing 4.28. Pavan holed another lengthy effort to post back-to-back birdies and his 5th in 8 holes, putting him two ahead.
In his 112th start on the European Tour, the former Italian amateur champion, Pavan played the 18th safely and left himself a two footer for victory.
Congratulations @AndreaPavan89!
Winner of the D+D Real Czech Masters ? pic.twitter.com/7Il23t4wbh
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) August 26, 2018
A player plagued by losing his tour card since 2009, he is 43-under for his last 11 rounds and the win secures his playing rights for next season.
Harrington, who lost his playing privileges on the PGA tour after failing to make the cut at last week’s Wyndham Championship, claimed his best finish on this side of the Atlantic for two years.
Malaysia’s Gavin Green had the best week of his season, finishing just five shots back in solo 3rd, two clear of British pair Lee Slattery and Scott Jamieson.
After a strong start, Eddie Pepperell made two bogeys in his final four holes to squeeze inside the top 10 alongside last year’s runner-up Thomas Pieters on 12-under.
Final Czech Masters leaderboard
Best quote
I can’t believe it to be honest. When you go against great players you have to stay aggressive and that what I did. I want to enjoy this success because it’s very difficult to achieve.
Highlights
???? pic.twitter.com/NuOn9L1lmE
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) August 26, 2018
Back-to-back birdies for Pavan.
He leads by two heading to 18. pic.twitter.com/3EWj4qvYxw
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) August 26, 2018
What a putt, @AndreaPavan89!
He takes the lead with two holes to play. pic.twitter.com/Cz0DKa4shh
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) August 26, 2018
What a response. What a shot ??????#CzechMasters pic.twitter.com/pdR4PrjSuQ
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) August 26, 2018
Renato Paratore the fan ?
Great to see @RenatoParatore out here supporting his friend @AndreaPavan89 ?? pic.twitter.com/XlEtKpqdzG
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) August 26, 2018
Harrington's short game ?
His lead remains two over Pavan. pic.twitter.com/ETInIZ8Rbp
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) August 26, 2018
Smooth ??
The swing of @AndreaPavan89 ?? pic.twitter.com/hcAvYhnz4v
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) August 26, 2018
Padraig Harrington vs. The Camerman ???#CzechMasters pic.twitter.com/typOyCghxF
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) August 26, 2018
Everyone was wearing jumpers today. Not Padraig.
Here's why… pic.twitter.com/W7g29UGAIO
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) August 25, 2018
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Tom Irwin
Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.
