Michael Hollick’s stunning last-gasp eagle putt ensured he collected a first DP World Tour title pipping fellow South African Hennie Du Plessis at a dramatic BMW International Open.
The 39-year-old rookie came into the final round at Golfclub Munchen Eichenried as overnight co-leader alongside Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger in a day which was defined by a number of shifts in the tide. Hollick found himself with a three-shot deficit with two holes remaining as any chance of victory seemed to be drifting away. However, a birdie at the 17th and a sublime 20-foot eagle putt at the last combined with Du Plessis’ costly bogey at the 17th and par at the 18th cemented a memorable first victory on the circuit, closing with a final-round 67 to conclude the event on 18 under, a shot clear of Du Plessis.
“I was actually very calm the whole day and stuck to the stuff I’ve done the whole week,” said Hollick.
“You start making a few birdies and it’s easy to start thinking too far ahead. I pulled myself back and said to Dave, who caddied for me, ‘if I have a chance to win the tournament playing the back nine that’s what I want’.
“Funnily enough when I went to bed yesterday I thought that if I had a chance to make eagle on the last to win it, that would be something.”
Victory means he secures himself a spot at the upcoming Genesis Scottish Open and he is also set to take part at the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale later this month having previously overcome a qualifier.
Four years ago, Hollick stepped away from the professional game and after his victory reflected on his journey since.
“It’s amazing, honestly,” Hollick added. “I’ve just given myself and my family such a good opportunity, so really looking forward to [the rest of the year].
“Four years ago, I put the clubs in the cupboard and started coaching, did a full year of coaching full-time and played like ten events on the Sunshine Tour, played quite well but didn’t get into any of the big events.
“Then started 2024 by winning the Zimbabwe Open and started finding my feet again and won another two tournaments and then started the season nicely here.
“The first year is tough, it’s all the unknown, you’re playing your heart out to keep your card and give yourself a chance next year, but here we are.”
Du Plessis narrowly missed out as he claimed runner-up on 17 under while Wiesberger finished in third on 16 under.
Meanwhile, popular golf YouTuber Brad Dalke, who received a sponsor’s exemption to participate in the tournament, looked to be in contention during the first round but his challenge dwindled soon after as he finished in a tie for 30th.
What is the next event?
The next event on the DP World Tour schedule is the Genesis Scottish Open taking place between 9-12 July at The Renaissance Club in Scotland.