27 June 2021: He is only 23, making a quick habit of making winning seem routine. Viktor Hovland became the first Norwegian to win the European Tour. He shot a feisty 70 in the final round to see off a thrilling challenge from former world No.1 Martin Kaymer, who shot a blistering final round 64 to emerge the clubhouse leader. In the end, Hovland played with poise and perfection for a solid birdie on the 72nd hole to finish the week at 19-under 269 and win the BMW International Open.
(Photo by Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Kaymer overcame an eight stroke deficit to set the pace early on in the day. The German stoked hopes of a local win, but Hovland survived some nervous moments before prevailing at the end. He made a terrific par save after missing both the fairway and the green on the 14th and endured a three-putt bogey on the 17th hole as he marched himself to the finish.
“It was a long day, very stressful. Nice finish and will be nice to relax for a couple of weeks now,” said a relieved Hovland.
“The par save on 14 was a big moment. Just played solid golf from there. I am happy to close it out with birdies at the 16th and 18th.”
“First of all, I am looking forward to go home and spend time with family. After that, plenty of golf to come including the Olympics and the Ryder Cup”
Jorge Campillo stayed in the contest as he chased Hovland to 16-under, before eventually finishing solo third. But bogeys on either side of a birdie on the 16th put paid to his hopes. He had to survive some more drama at the 18th where he got wet with his second ball. But he made a perfect chip from the drop, kissing the edge of the cup before stalling two feet away. That gave him an overall score of 15-under with a 71 in the final round.
Victor Dubuisson finished in fourth at 14-under with a 67.
