Kristoffer Reitan started the day nine shots behind the lead at the Soudal Open and fired a course record, 9-under 62 in spite of a bogey at the par-4 3rd to reach 9-under and take the clubhouse lead.
Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson started the day with a two-shot lead and fired four birdies and four bogeys to close with an even-par 71 and enter a playoff while the Netherlands’ Darius van Driel carded a bogey free 67 to join.
All three players parred the first extra hole but while Ferguson and van Driel parred again at the second, Norway’s Reitan fired a birdie to win his first DP World Tour title.
“I don’t know what to say, its been a dream of mine since I was a little kid,” said Reitan. “I keep thinking back to a few years ago when I was considering stopping playing because I didn’t find it enjoyable any more, didn’t see progress, and to be able to turn it around the way I have been doing the last couple of years has been amazing – to seal it with victory here is ridiculous.
“[Winning] wasn’t even on my mind. I just wanted to play a good round of golf, been working hard on trying to stick to my process recently. Obviously today I felt like it was a little bit my day and that was evident at the end… I couldn’t be more thrilled.”
England’s John Parry carded a 72 for a share of fourth place at 10-under alongside compatriot Jordan Smith who recorded a 69 as well as China’s Haotong Li (67), South African’s Thriston Lawrence (67) and American Troy Merritt (67).
