Ryan Fox produced a sensational performance on the back-nine to storm up the leaderboard and emerge victorious in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
The 36-year-old New Zealander appeared to be out of the running after hitting a triple bogey at the third but shot a sublime five-under 67 which included eight birdies to finish on 18 under and secure a fourth DP World Tour title.
Fox began the final day three shots behind then leader Ludwig Aberg, who was searching for his second DP World Tour victory in as many weeks. But he fell away after a disappointing start to the day scoring a four-over 76.
It then looked like Tyrrell Hatton, who won this event in 2020, was going to ease to victory after leading the way by four shots during one stage in the final round, sinking five birdies in the first seven holes. However, a bogey on the 15th allowed Fox to pounce hitting a birdie on the same hole, taking him to the top of the leaderboard.
Aaron Rai had also applied pressure for the lead during the final round after hitting four birdies in the final six holes but it was not enough to overtake Fox who secured the victory with a six-foot birdie putt.
I certainly didn’t think I would be talking to you after the third hole today,” Fox said speaking to Sky Sports.
“To have a back nine like that, especially after how I started the day, it’s amazing. I played great. Pretty much didn’t miss a shot from the third hole onwards and saw a couple of putts go in and it was pretty cool feeling on the last to sort of know I had one to win and actually make it.”
Seven European Ryder Cup players occupied positions in the top 10 which bodes well for Luke Donald and his team ahead of the highly-anticipated team tournament at the end of the month.
The next event on the DP World Tour is the Open De France taking place between 21-24 September at Le Golf National Albatros Course in Canada.