Italy’s Andrew Pavan claimed his maiden European Tour title in spectacular style at the D+D Real Czech Masters, as a back nine birdie blitz – which included a monster putt at the par three 16th – helped the Italian topple three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington.
It was a thrilling battle between the two playing partners, who shared a three-shot lead heading into the final day at Albatross Golf Resort, and Harrington appeared to be cruising to a 16th title when they reached the turn.
The Irishman was three shots clear but Pavan turned the tide with a stunning back nine performance. The 29 year old picked up shots at the tenth and 12th holes to close the gap before Harrington almost holed out from the tee at the par three 13th, a birdie two seemingly closing the door on Pavan.
But a birdie from Pavan at the 14th paired with a bogey for Harrington at the 15th meant they were all square with three to play.
The crucial moment came at the 16th as the Italian sank a 30-foot putt for a birdie two and the outright lead. Another birdie at the 17th meant he held a two-stroke advantage on the 18th tee, parring the last for a 67 and a two-stroke victory on 22-under par.
“It’s amazing,” said Pavan. “I’ve won four times on the Challenge Tour, but it was a long time ago, so this was a long awaited victory. Padraig has got so much experience, and he’s such a great player, and he pushed me all the way. The putt on 16 was massive. It could have easily gone both ways, he was ahead of me most of the day, but after I got ahead I stayed aggressive and hit a lot of good tee shots and gave myself birdie chances.
“On the 17th, I was getting a bit emotional, just trying not to get ahead of myself. I think playing against Padraig, knowing how good he is, it kept me grounded and in the moment a bit more, knowing he could easily birdie the last two. I was really trying to birdie the last two. It’s just amazing. It’s going to take some time to sink in.”
Harrington said: “It was a good contest, no doubt about it. I obviously don’t feel like I lost it, Andrea won it for sure. He played great coming home and holed the decisive putts. I get my fair share of wins. but it wasn’t my day today. To shoot 20 under par on any golf course, you’ve got to put some numbers together, so I’m happy with that, Andrea just finished really well. He played lovely golf all day and made those birdies when it mattered. It’s a pity, but I’ll settle for this most weeks.”
What’s in the Bag – Andrea Pavan
Driver: Callaway Rogue Sub Zero 9º
Fairway: Callaway Great Big Bertha Epic Sub Zero, 13.5º
Utility: Callaway X Forged UT, 18°
Irons: Callaway X Forged ’18, 3-PW
Wedges: Callaway Mack Daddy Forged, 52° and 58°
Putter: Odyssey White Hot Pro V-Line
Ball: Callaway Chrome Soft X