Storm shares fourth spot
Jun 29 2009 by Tim Taylor, The Journal
GRAEME Storm pocketed a cheque for 78,700 yesterday after another scorching round in Munich, writes TIM TAYLOR.
Hartlepool’s former French Open and British Amateur champion finished in a four-way tie for fourth spot in the BMW International Open.
He shot a five-under 67, following his eight-under 64 on Saturday, this time collecting five birdies, two bogeys and an eagle at the 464-yard 15th.
Storm (pictured right), who qualified for the Open earlier this month with a record 62 on the New Course at Sunningdale, finished on 17 under for the Munich tournament.
Miguel Angel Jimenez was one of the other three players with a total of 271, Storm shooting 70 in rounds one and two. They were five shots behind winner Nick Dougherty, who finally returned to winning ways to join Storm in next month’s Open at Turnberry.
But what a scare the 27-year-old from Liverpool, so devastated by the sudden death of his mother straight after his US Masters debut 14 months ago, was given before he clinched his third European Tour victory.
Four clear and seemingly coasting, the gap was suddenly cut to one when Argentina’s Rafa Echenique sank a 243-yard three-iron on the last for only the fourth albatross of the Tour season.
Having eagled the 11th Echenique equalled the Tour record with his back nine 27 – he played the last 10 holes in an amazing 10 under – but Dougherty kept his composure. Three closing pars gave him a superb 64 for a 22 under par total and after raising a hand to the skies he said: “The strength that my Mum had lives on in me. I want to say thank you to all the people who have helped me through some tough times. I have a great team around me and it’s great to be back where I feel I belong.”
He qualifies for Turnberry off a mini-Order of Merit which has been running since the Italian Open at the start of last month.
On the moment when he saw what Echenique had done Dougherty added: “I thought ‘Oh my goodness’. The 18th has been an absolute brute for me this week and I’m delighted to get the job done.” Long-time leader Retief Goosen finished third, but 51-year-old Bernhard Langer, hoping to become the oldest winner in Tour history in front of his home fans and only one behind after an opening birdie, fell back to ninth.
Echenique commented: “I’ve never had an albatross before and I had a great sensation. This is a dream for me – it’s unbelievable.”
