Levy strengthens Ryder Cup claim with win in Morocco
What happened at the Trophee Hassan II?
Alexander Levy catapulted himself into contention for a Ryder Cup spot as he held off Alvaro Quiros at the Trophee Hassan II in Morocco.
Quiros held a narrow lead heading into Sunday, but it was Levy who came out of the blocks the quickest with a two-under par front-nine.
It was a congested final round at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, with the likes of Quiros, Joakim Lagergren, Alexander Bjork, Mikko Ilonen and Erik Van Rooyen all in with a chance over the final holes. Even Andy Sullivan was in contention, but a late bogey at the 17th ended his hopes.
When Levy bogeyed the 16th, it looked as though a thrilling finale was to ensue. But a stunning tee shot into the difficult par-3 17th all but finished things, as Levy would go on to par the last to claim his fifth European Tour title.
He heads into next week’s Volvo China Open as the defending champion, and on this form, it would be of no surprise to see him lift the trophy for the third time.
Final Trophee Hassan II leaderboard
The par putt that secured @alexlevygolf his fifth tour title.#TropheeHassanII pic.twitter.com/LhzSPWylBA
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) April 22, 2018
Champion ?
The moment @alexlevygolf found out his 70 is enough to win the #TropheeHassanII. pic.twitter.com/Vbd0dnANDf
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) April 22, 2018
Talking point
Could this enigmatic Frenchman convince Captain Thomas Bjorn to pick him when the Ryder Cup is played on home soil, in Paris, later this year?
Europe will not be short on talent, that’s for sure, but Levy could be just the player that Bjorn could turn to to whip up the home support at Le Golf National.
Bjorn certainly has him in his sights…
Congratulations @alexlevygolf
Brilliant performance on a tough golf course.
Well done my friend— Thomas Bjorn (@thomasbjorngolf) April 22, 2018
Superb win for @alexlevygolf at the #TropheeHassanII. Moves provisionally to #48 in #OWGR. His career best stands at #49.
This could mean a lot on a number of levels… may just book him a place at @THEPLAYERSChamp, @usopengolf and of course, hopefully #RyderCup in Paris!
— Nosferatu (@VC606) April 22, 2018
Best quote
Levy on the Ryder Cup:
I need to improve and work a lot, but this has helped me. But I need to get myself back to work because there are a lot of top players in Europe.
Best moments
Massive moment.@alexlevygolf is two clear with one to play.https://t.co/83Cw7xxlyN pic.twitter.com/4iLyQC7ywj
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) April 22, 2018
Bang. ?
Levy likes it. A lot. pic.twitter.com/1eWEbUKLC8
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) April 22, 2018
Best stats
Alexander Levy is now the only player to win on the @EuropeanTour in each of the last 3 seasons (2016, 2017, 2018).
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGC) April 22, 2018
The best of the best! Who has the most DP World Tour wins?
Quiz: Ryder Cup rookies
Why it’s time to start getting excited about the Ryder Cup
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.
