Dutchman wins NI Open in play-off drama at Galgorm

Daan Huizing from the Netherlands is presented with the trophy by Arlene Foster, Northern Ireland Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, after winning the inaugural Northern Ireland Open at Galgorm Castle Golf Club. Picture: Press Eye.

The Dutchman did it the hard way for he began the final round with a six shot lead then

stumbled with a four-over front nine (39) to open the door for the rest of the field. At one stage he was caught and overtaken by Scotland’s Jamie McLeary and Wilson, who played in the 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla.

To add to the tension, Huizing drove into the trees and lost his ball on the par five 18th in regulation play. He reached the green in five and had to hole from 25 feet to simply make the play-off. Huizing signed for a closing 74 compared to Wilson’s 67 as the pair tied at the top on 13-under 271. McLeary (66) and England’s James Heath (69) tied third one shot back on 12-under.

Huizing quickly regained his composure for the sudden play-off when the 18th was played again. Wilson found the fairway bunker and eventually missed his birdie effort from eight feet. The stage was set for Huizing, who reached the green in two and went on to hole the winning birdie putt from four feet.

“This is fantastic. This is only my seventh start on the Challenge Tour and I’ve come close a few times,” said Huizing, who had four top five finishes before picking up the €27,200 winner’s cheque at Galgorm.

“It’s the best course we’ve played on all year and the crowds and tournament set up were amazing. I guess I won the hard way but at least it kept things exciting for the crowds.”

Home favourite Dermot McElroy bookended his week with a pair of fine 67s and his final round effort moved the Ballymena amateur up 27 places into a tie for ninth on six-under 278. He finished top amateur and joint top Irish player alongside Clandeboye’s Jonathan Caldwell, who signed off with a 70 to earn almost €4,000.