07 February 2022: Nicolai Hojgaard won his second European Tour title when he closed with a 4-under 68 for a four-shot victory in the Ras Al Khaimah Championship.
The 20-year-old Dane started with a three-shot lead and appeared to be in control until a double bogey on the ninth hole, a bogey on the 12th. Jordan Smith had seven birdies in 14 holes to take a two-shot lead. Hojgaard recovered with a birdie on the 13th and an eagle from the waste area on the par-5 14th.
He closed with two birdies, a comfortable finish after a roller-coaster round.
Smith shot 66 and finished alone in second, while Haotong Li closed with a 63 and tied for third with Luka Nemecz (66), Matthieu Pavon (66) and Adrian Otaegui (67).
Hojgaard and his twin brother, Rasmus, now have combined for five victories before turning 21.
Harold Varner III wins Saudi International
Harold Varner III holed a 90-foot putt for eagle on the final hole to go from one shot behind to a stunning victory in the Saudi International.
Varner finished with a 1-under 69 at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club for his second victory worldwide. His other win was the Australian PGA on the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Varner faced a tough task to even two-putt for birdie and force a playoff with Bubba Watson, who closed with a 64. He did one better, a putt that went from one end of the 18th green to the other. Varner threw his putter to the ground and pumped his arms to celebrate.
Varner finished at 13-under 267. He won $1 million from the $5 million prize fund, along with whatever appearance money he received from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund that attracted 21 of the top 50 players in the world.
The victory moves Varner, who was at No. 99, into the top 50 for the first time. If he can stay there for two more months, he would get to the Masters.
Adri Arnaus of Spain had a 71 to finish three shots behind. Defending champion Dustin Johnson shot a 70 and tied for eighth.
AP News
