France’s Romain Langasque finally earned his maiden European Tour victory in the ISPS Handa Wales Open at Celtic Manor after a briliant back nine. Pictures by GETTY IMAGES

ROMAIN Langasque stormed to victory at the ISPS Handa Wales Open, overturning a five-stroke deficit to win his first European Tour title.

The Frenchman started the final day at The Celtic Manor Resort in a share of sixth place.

The 2015 Amateur Champion was five shots behind 54-hole co-leaders Sebastian Söderberg and Connor Syme, from Scotland.

But the deficit was cut to just one stroke after his second birdie of the day on the sixth hole.

Langasque continued to lurk one shot back after another gain on the ninth. And Romain drew level with a fourth birdie of the day on the par five 11th hole.

Successive birdies at the 15th and 16th holes saw the 25-year-old sign for a bogey-free 65 and an eight-under par total as a nervous wait followed.

Bogeys on the 14th and 16th holes dashed Syme’s hopes of a maiden European Tour victory.

Both he and Söderberg – who beat Rory McIlroy to the 2019 Omega European Masters title at Crans in September – found the water at the par five 18th.

That mistake ultimately ended the Swede’s chances at the 11th hour.

Conor Syme (right) made a double bogey at the last to drop down the leaderboard but was rewarded with a place in the US Open at Winged Foot, in September.

Great back nine earned the win

LANGASQUE, who has been tipped by many Tour pundits to make a break-through win for more than a year, was delighted with his final round.

Romain said: “I was playing really good since the start of the week.

“I was only focusing on doing my thing – that was the only objective I had on Monday with my coach.

“I’m so happy with the way I played the back nine. I played really, really good. I had so many birdie opportunities.

“The second shot on 16 and the first shot on 17 were my two best shots of the week.

“That shows that the work we have done the past few weeks has worked, and I’m pretty happy,” added Langasque.

“It was one of the first times I didn’t feel the pressure. I was focused on every shot.

“The first shot I felt pressure was the wedge on 18, because I was looking to be shorter and have a longer shot. But I flushed my four-iron.

“The wedge wasn’t easy because I wasn’t close and the two putts were under pressure. Before that I was cool and feeling really well on the course.

“The wait was long. But when you come back from five shots and you’re in a position like that it’s good.

“It’s long but it’s a good pressure and a good moment. I’m just enjoying my time now.”

•For final scores at the ISPS Handa Wales Open click here.

Välimäki and Syme earn US Open spots

LANGASQUE’S victory elevated him to 31st in the 2020 Race to Dubai Rankings.

It also earned him a place in next month’s US Open at Winged Foot, in New York, after he moved inside the top ten on the UK Swing Order of Merit.

The top 10 golfers not already exempt on that list, including Syme and runner-up Sami Välimäki, from Finland, have now secured their berths in the second Major of the COVID-19 interrupted season.

Langasque won The Amateur Championship five years ago at Carnoustie to earn his Open debut at St Andrews that summer.

He also made the cut when playing in the 2016 Augusta Masters and turned pro after his US Open debut at Oakmont, where Dustin Johnson claimed his first Major victory.

In March 2016, Langasque had beaten Hampshire’s Scott Gregory in the final of the Spanish Amateur Championship.

Three months later Gregory succeeded him as Amateur Champion by beating Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre in the final at Royal Porthcawl.

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Scot David Law shot a fine 64 to lead the Betfred British Masters after the first round of the European Tour’s UK Swing at Close House. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

DAVID Law fired a flawless seven-under opening round 64 at the Betfred British Masters to take a one-stroke lead at the first tournament of the European Tour’s UK Swing.

The 29-year-old Scot, who has one European Tour title to his name, hit a red hot streak with seven birdies in eight holes from the sixth.

The only par during that run came courtesy of a wondrous save from the heavy gorse at the 11th.

Law said: “I was playing steady. You might not be sure what to expect coming into today after the long break. I was delighted with that.

“It’s still a little strange, but the Tour have done a fantastic job. So far I think it’s gone really well.

“The club has hosted us really well. It’s a new time for us, we’re all learning and we’ll all have to get used to it.

“The whole week so far has been very positive,” added the two-time Scottish Amateur champion.

“We’ve been lucky at home and not had anyone affected by the illness, thankfully.

“My daughter is 19 months old, so to have that extended time at home, I’ll never get that again. We had a great time.

“It was a nice time for me because I wasn’t playing the best going into that break. It was a good time to recharge and regroup.”

Fisher so happy be back playing golf

DAVID LAW, who won last year’s ISPS Handa Vic Open, finished the day one shot clear of Essx’s Oliver Fisher and Northumberland’s Garrick Porteous.

The English pair matched Italy’s Renato Paratore, who carded a round of 65 at Close House Golf Club, on the outskirts of Newcastle.

Fisher, who famously became the first player to shoot a 59 on the European Tour in Portugal two years ago, said: “I added my score up at the end and it’s weird to think I’ve shot 65 today.

“Obviously I’m chuffed about it. It’s weird to be back and playing professional golf, and I’m delighted with my score.

“I started off okay, the pins here and the greens are quite tricky in places. They tuck them and there are ridges on the edges of the greens where it can fall off and they can catch you out.

“There was a little bit of rain and it was quite fiery. There was a bit of a skid going, so with wedges early on it was hard to get close.

“I travelled up a couple of days ago, we’ve got a nice run in the UK. A lot of things to enjoy and hopefully we can all continue with social distancing and sticking to the routine of doing everything as properly as we can.

“The Tour have been great at stressing that to us. I’m delighted to be back and delighted with my score.”

Local knowledge helps Garrick Porteous

Garrick Porteous who won The Amateur Championship in 2013.
Picture by DAVID CANNON

GARRICK Porteous, who won The Amateur Championship at Royal Cinque Ports in 2013, revealed a lot of local knowledge had contributed to his good start.

The 30-year-old, who played in the 2013 Open and made his Masters debut in 2014, has been confined to the Challenge Tour for most of his six years as a professional.

Porteous, who earned his European Tour card at last year’s Qualifying School, said: “I’ve played a few mini-tour things in the Leeds area.

“But I live 15 minutes from here, so I’ve been practising here a lot. I’ve played the course for so many years now anyway.

“It’s in great condition. I’m pretty familiar with the course, but its in the best condition I’ve ever seen it.

“Knowing the course so well can put a bit more pressure on you. I probably felt that early on.

“Once I settled down and made some birdies it was alright. I made some good swings and some good birdies.”

Physical work in lockdown pays off for Paratore

PARATORE, who hails from Rome, said: “I played really solid. I had a bogey-free round and played really well from tee to green.

“I started really well with three birdies, I saved a couple of pars with some really good putts – a solid round.

“It was a good way to come back. It was good to know the European Tour was starting again.

Renato added: “It wasn’t easy during the lockdown. I’m really happy to be here right now.

“During lockdown I didn’t practice, just physically and rested a lot,” said the Italian, who lost a play-off to Danish teenager Rasmus Højgaard in Mauritius, in December.

“Then golf courses reopened, so I started to practice a lot in June. So I prepared well for the first tournament,” said the winner of the 2017 Nordea Masters.

Tournament host Lee Westwood, battled to a one-under 70 while Oxfordshire’s Eddie Pepperell had a solid start on his return to golf after four months out, signing for a four-under 67.

•For live scoring in round two and to follow David Law click here.

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Stuart Wilson – the new Walker Cup captain appointed by the R&A played for GB&I who beat the USA at Ganton, in 2003. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

STUART Wilson – one of Scotland’s most renowned amateur golfers – has been named as Great Britain and Ireland’s Walker Cup captain, who will try to regain the trophy from America in May 2021.

The 2004 Amateur champion will begin his stint as captain of the GB&I men’s teams by leading the four Home Nations against Continental Europe, at the St Andrews Trophy, in July, at Royal Porthcawl.

After four years serving on The R&A Boys’ selection committee, including three as chairman, and The R&A’s amateur status committee, Wilson has accepted the new opportunity to succeed Craig Watson, whose team lost heavily to the USA, at Royal Liverpool, in September.

Following a glittering amateur career, including his victory in The Amateur Championship, at St Andrews, in 2004 – where he defeated 2018 Champion Golfer of the Year Francesco Molinari in the quarter-finals – Wilson is well-placed to lead the next generation of golfing talent.

And with most GB&I captains serving for two Walker Cups, Wilson is in line to have a dream return to the Home of Golf when St Andrews hosts the 2023 Walker Cup, in its more traditional September date.

Wilson was a member of the winning Walker Cup side at Ganton, in 2003, contributing two points – with a win and a half playing with David Inglis in the foursomes.

But Wilson lost heavily to Matt Hendrix in the Sunday singles, having held the American for a half in Saturday’s afternoon session.

The 42-year-old will now captain the GB&I team when it heads to Seminole, Florida in 2021 to take on the United States, having also captained Europe’s Junior Ryder Cup teams against the USA in 2012, and 2014.

GB&I will be aiming to reclaim both the St Andrews Trophy and Walker Cup under Wilson’s leadership.

“I am very proud to be selected as the GB&I men’s team captain and look forward to leading a talented group of golfers at the St Andrews Trophy and the Walker Cup,” said Wilson.

“I have fond memories of my time as a player representing GB&I in these prestigious matches and  I am determined to make a valuable contribution to the team as its leader and in helping the players.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on The R&A Boys’ Selection Committee and know first-hand the level of talent which is emerging.

“It feels like a very natural progression to be taking on this role to continue to foster these gifted amateur golfers.”

Stoke Park’s Conor Gough, who was handed his Walker Cup debut by Craig Watson at just 17, and Rotherham’s record-breaker Ben Schmidt – who was surprisingly only named as a reserve despite becoming the youngest player to win the Brabazon – will be two key names on Wilson’s shortlist for Seminole.

Schmidt also become the youngest player to complete the double of claiming the Carris Trophy, at the English Boys Strokeplay, in the same season – taking Sandy Lyle’s records in the process.

Following his win at the 2004 Amateur Championship, Stuart Wilson went on to win the Silver Medal at The 133rd  Open, at Royal Troon, having also qualified for The Open in 2001.

The R&A Foundation scholar, who studied at Dundee’s Abertay University – and won the 2003 Lytham Trophy while doing his degree, played in the 2005 Masters at Augusta National.

Wilson is a member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, and is the managing secretary of Forfar Golf Club. He is married with two children.

Wilson’s first international match – the St Andrews Trophy – takes place at the renowned south Wales links on July 23 and 24.

Hampshire’s Scott Gregory beat European Tour Rookie of the Year in the final of the 2016 Amateur Championship at Royal Porthcawl.

•Click here for key dates in the R&A’s schedule in 2020 and here for England’s leading championships.

The USA’s five-point victory against Great Britain and Ireland, at Hoylake, in September was the biggest away win since Sunningdale in 1987. Picture by USGA

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Benjamin Hebert is the highest Frenchman in the field for the French Open at Le Paris National this week. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

BENJAMIN Hebert is currently the top ranked French player on the Race to Dubai, and he is hoping a maiden European Tour win on home soil at this week’s Amundi French Open can help him break into the top 10 – or better.

The 32-year-old has two second place finishes this season, at the Volvo China Open and the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open.

Hebert said: “It’s my best season so far. I have two second places, but I think I could have been a little bit better.

“Still chasing the first win, but I’ll try to improve every part of my game and I think it could be soon.

“I’m in a good position on the Race to Dubai. Like with my game, I will try to improve this placing and maybe get into the top ten or better.

“This is a very important end of the season coming up, and it’s going to be good,” Hebert added.

“It’s always special to play on home soil, with so many home fans watching. It’s always interesting to learn how to manage this different pressure.

“We’re playing on a great golf course and I just try to enjoy it,” added Hebert, who currently sits in 17^th place on the Race to Dubai rankings as the season enters the final stretch.

He is joined at Le Golf National for continental Europe’s oldest national open by a host of his compatriots, including one man who has already tasted victory this season – Alfred Dunhill Links Championship winner Victor Perez.

The European Challenge Tour graduate will be under a different kind of pressure this week after making his debut in the event last season.

But Perez, who currently lives in Dundee where his girlfriend is studying at the Scottish university, is hoping to keep relaxed and treat the week like any other tournament.

Perez said: “Being a Frenchman it’s important to be here and play in front of the home fans. A lot of French players are having a good season and really looking forward to the tournament.

“Winning a couple of weeks ago means there is a little bit of attention on me, so I think it’s important to come out and play in front of home fans and hopefully have a good week.

“You want to try to enjoy it as much as possible. It’s very easy to put extra pressure on yourself to perform.

“But also you can think about it the other way and really enjoy the fact the fans are here to cheer for you,” Perez added.

“Then it’s just about having a blast and free-wheeling it, I think that’s a better attitude than feeling the extra pressure.”

Romain Langasque – the winner of the 2016 Amateur Championship at Carnoustie – is also aiming to cap off a fine season with victory in front of home crowds at the Amundi Open de France, which is often described as an inland links, with its long grasses and tightly mown, narrow fairways.

Langasque has been edging towards his first European Tour win with three top three finishes.

The 2016 Spanish Amateur Champion, who beat Hampshire’s Scott Gregory in the final, is relishing the challenge posed by the famously testing Albatros Course, which hosted Europe’s victory over the United States in the 2018 Ryder Cup.

Langasque said: “It’s always important to play in front of the French crowd.

“I know this course very well and I think it’s one of the best on the European Tour.

“My first time playing my home open was tough, but now I’m better prepared, and I enjoy it so much, sharing these moments with my family and friends.

“With the weather as well this week I think it will be a tough test again. The 18th is a tough tee shot under pressure because of the bank on the right and the water on the left.

“The second shot is quite tough because of the pressure, you see a lot of water,” added Langasque.

“It’s one of the best finishing holes on Tour and I hope to have my chance down there on Sunday.”

Two Frenchmen have claimed the Open de France at the Ryder Cup venue – Thomas Levet in 2011, and Jean-Francois Remesy, who won back-to-back 14 years ago. Both are now playing on the Staysure Seniors Tour.

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Welshman Stephen Dodd is desperate to maintain his run of a victory in every season he has been on the Staysure Tour, in the Austrian Senior Open, at Murhof GC. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

STEPHEN Dodd has been the first to admit his 2019 Staysure Tour campaign had not gone to plan.

Yet despite a balky driver, he carded an opening-round of 64 to take a one-shot lead at the Murhof Legends – Austrian Senior Open on eight-under par.

The Welshman – who was crowned The Amateur Champion at Royal Birkdale 30 years ago – showed remarkable resilience during the Staysure Tour’s first official day of competition in Austria – the 45^th different country to host Europe’s over-50s circuit.

Following a bogey at the eighth hole, Dodd carded back-to-back birdies on the ninth and 10th, and then repeated the bounce-back effort by erasing his double-bogey at the 15^th with consecutive gains on the next two holes.

“The score was good,” the 53-year-old said, “I didn’t particularly drive it very well, so I’ve got a bit to work on perhaps, but I am delighted with the score.”

Dodd has collected one win on the Staysure Tour in each of the three years he has been eligible to play.

But so far he has not yet matched that high standard in 2019, and finds himself in 30^th on the Order of Merit.

Still, the man who collected his first professional title at the 1992 Bank Austria Open knows the book is not closed this season just yet.

“To put it politely, it’s been a quite one,” he said. “The season is not finished yet though, we’ve still got a few more events, so we’ll see where we are come December.

“There are plenty of birdie chances if you drive it well around here. The greens are good and the weather was perfect today so it all sets up for a good week.

“So far, we’ve had a fantastic week. Gary Stangl and the team and everybody at Murhof have looked after us fantastically well.”

The highlight of the day came when Frenchman Thomas Levet holed his 235-yard second shot into the par five seventh for an albatross.

“Making an albatross helps a lot,” the former Ryder Cup winner said. “I had my first albatross 39 years ago when I was 12-years-old and a 24-handicap. I holed a five-wood then, but there were no spectators.

“Today, the spectators behind the green were so shocked nobody reacted, so I thought, from where I was, that the ball had run through the green because I could see the pitch mark but not the ball.

“When I arrived at the green, I fixed my pitch mark and started walking to the back of the green when a guy shouted ‘It’s in the hole!’”

Levet hit every green in regulation on day one, and along with his three-under par hole, signed for a six-under 66, which put him in a share of fourth place alongside Jarmo Sandelin, José Coceres and Rafael Gomez.

A pair of Englishmen – double Senior Major Champion Roger Chapman and Staysure Tour Rookie Gary Evans – sit only one stroke behind Dodd on seven-under, while home-hero Markus Brier carded a 71, which left him in a share of 29^th.

The second round of the Murhof Legends – Austrian Senior Open begins on Saturday at 8am, with the lead group of Dodd, Chapman and Evans set to go at 11.18am.

For live scoring click here

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