Rasmus Højgaard made history by becoming the first Danish winner of the DP World Tour’s Made in HimmerLand after beating Spaniard Nacho Elvira in a tense and lengthy play-off.
The 21-year-old started the final round six shots back, but a six-under 64 saw him set the target at 13 under with six groups left to play, and his mark could only be matched by third round leader Elvira, who bogeyed the 72nd hole to post a closing 70.
The Spaniard joined the home favourite back on the 18th tee at HimmerLand and they could not be separated during five separate trips down the final hole, both recording par on each occasion. However, Højgaard holed a clutch ten-foot par putt on the fifth extra hole to keep the play-off alive, which proved to be a huge swing of momentum.
The Billund native split the fairway with his tee shot on the sixth extra trip down the 18th, while Elvira found the thick rough before subsequently hitting his second shot out of bounds. Højgaard safely found the middle of the green and calmly two-putted for par to claim a fourth DP World Tour title in front of rapturous home support, which included twin brother Nicolai and a group of family and friends.
Elvira’s second place was, however, enough to secure him a place in The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool later this month. Made in HimmerLand formed part of The Open Qualifying Series where the top three, not already exempt, earn a spot in the final men’s Major of the year, and the Spaniard will be joined by Finn Kalle Samooja and Scotland’s Marc Warren.
Højgaard said: “It’s a dream come true to win my home event. We’ve wanted a Danish winner for so long now, so to be the first one to do it is so cool.
I felt like I had a chance when I got out on the course today. When Nacho made that double bogey on 18 yesterday, going from 15 to 13 under, I felt like I was within range of maybe having a sniff. I got off to a good start today and tried to keep it going and then that birdie on 18 was pivotal, as it put some pressure on the guys behind me.
It was nerve-wracking waiting to see whether it would be enough. I tried to stay patient by going to the range, hitting some putts, whatever I could do. I was very nervous and just wanted to get in that play-off, so it was awesome.
“Hopefully myself and Nicolai, and all the other Danes out on tour, can inspire future generations of Danish golfers.”
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Rasmus Højgaard’s winning gear
DRIVER: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond (10.5°)
FAIRWAY WOOD: Callaway Paradym HL 3 (16.5°)
UTILITY: Callaway Rogue ST Pro (3)
IRONS: Callaway Apex MB ’21 (4-10)
WEDGES: Callaway Jaws Raw (52°), Callaway Jaws Raw Full Toe (56°, 60°)
PUTTER: Odyssey Toulon Le Mans Tour
BALL: Callaway Chrome Soft X