Northern Ireland’s latest star of the fairways, Graeme McDowell, clinched his first European Tour victory at only his fourth attempt as the Portrush man was crowned the Volvo Scandinavian Master in Stockholm today.
The 23-year-old remained composed throughout his final round, five-under 66 for a 14-under 270 aggregate, to win by one shot from South African Trevor Immelman and receives the €316,660 winner's cheque.
Former USPGA champion Jeff Sluman (69) and Norwegian Henrik Bjornstad (67) were a shot further back, Sluman bogeying the last when a birdie would have forced a play-off.
Agonisingly for Immelman (67), who played alongside McDowell in the penultimate group, dropped his only shot of the day at the 18th to gift the Ulsterman the title. The South African missed his approach to the par four long and failed to get up and down.
It is fitting that McDowell won his first event at this venue because his management team, only this week, signed the rookie to become the new Touring Professional of Kungsangen Golf Club.
"I can’t believe it, It’s the best feeling in the world," said McDowell who added, "I’ve always dreamed of a three footer on the last green to win."
McDowell not only demonstrated composure but courage as the former Walker Cup player overcame a shank at the 15th. Making contact with the hozel part of the club resulted in his ball travelling from a greenside bunker into a lake rather than finding the putting surface.
At that point it seemed his chances of winning had wilted but after a penalty drop he pitched to six feet and salvaged a bogey before recovering immediately with a 12 foot birdie putt at the next.
Ronan Rafferty was the only other Irishman in the field after David Higgins was disqualified for walking off the course after nine holes on Friday. The 1989 European number one closed witb a 73 to finish two-over.
McDowell, who completed his scholarship at Alabama University ranked as the top player in America this season, has now gained a two-year exemption to play on the main tour.
In a year where many new faces are emerging on the European Tour, McDowell became the 12th first time winner this season.