Lagergren makes it consecutive Swedish winners on European Tour
What happened at the Rocco Forte Sicilian Open?
You wait nearly 12 months for a Swedish winner on the European Tour, and then two come along in the space of three weeks.
The drought since Alex Noren won last year’s BMW PGA Championship was ended two weeks ago courtesy of Alexander Bjork, and now Joakim Lagergren enters the winner’s circle with his maiden win at the Rocco Forte Sicilian Open at the stunning Verdura Resort.
At one point, it seemed as though Lagergren had pushed past the final round jitters as he opened up a two-shot lead on the back-nine. But Mike Lorenzo-Vera – a runner-up at GolfSixes last week – was making very few mistakes and eventually reeled the Swede in with a birdie at the 17th.
Andy Sullivan could have set the clubhouse target with a birdie at the last, but his putt was left short. Lucas Bjerregaard also had a chance on the final hole, but the Dane’s tee shot sailed into an unplayable lie to end his chances.
The biggest move of the day came from Aussie youngster Lucas Herbert, who fired a 63 to finish on 15-under. But that would not be enough, as Lagergren and Lorenzo-Vera both parred the 18th to head to a play-off.
The Frenchman’s approach went long and left, while the Swede hit a beauty to within five feet, which he duly knocked in to claim the title.
Swedish Champagne showers ??#RFSicilianOpen pic.twitter.com/JRUkJalAbi
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 13, 2018
Full Rocco Forte Sicilian Open leaderboard
Best quote
Lagergren:
I’ve been waiting for this moment for my whole career. I’ve been fighting so hard to get to here.
Best moments
Congratulations, @JoakimLagergren! ?
The 2018 #RFSicilianOpen Champion. pic.twitter.com/Qy11Fm642E
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 13, 2018
• 152 starts for Lorenzo-Vera
• 131 starts for LagergrenBoth players are in search of their first Tour victory. pic.twitter.com/nwJ7Rmo6db
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 13, 2018
This for the win…
Lorenzo-Vera & Largergren are heading for a playoff in Sicily. pic.twitter.com/U9zAAE7Fv3
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 13, 2018
Living dangerously.
Lagergren's drive on 18 is safe (just) ? pic.twitter.com/0VzAdBHXZS
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 13, 2018
What a shot, @MikeMlv.
He shares the lead with Lagergren playing the last. pic.twitter.com/ZlxPWix1Eu
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 13, 2018
A birdie for @MikeMlv on 13 ?
Lagergren's lead is cut to one.#RFSicilianOpen pic.twitter.com/OA8p5H6CUs
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 13, 2018
• Birdie
• Birdie
• EagleHere comes @andysulligolf ??♂️ pic.twitter.com/bwxWa7A99o
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 13, 2018
We're all tied at the top.
Joakim Lagergren rolls in his second birdie of the day. pic.twitter.com/v9p5g5n5nT
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 13, 2018
? Hole-in-One ?
Congratulations, @simonkhangolf ☝?#RFSicilianOpen pic.twitter.com/FZIbVKybI7
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 13, 2018
Rocco Forte Open leaderboard 2018
Dear PGA Tour: Just stop with the marquee pairings
You have to par one of these holes to win £10,000 – which do you play?
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.
