Pablo Larrazábal won the DP World Tour’s Korea Championship by two shots after producing a back-nine birdie blitz to see off a high-quality chasing pack.
A tight battle unfolded at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea on Sunday afternoon, with Larrazábal finding himself in a five-way share of the lead on nine under when he reached the turn following two front-nine birdies.
The Spaniard slipped from the summit after dropping his first shot of the round at the tenth but roared back, making four birdies in the next five holes to open up a three-shot lead. He then safely parred his way home to complete a closing 67, to finish the tournament on 12 under par and claim an eighth DP World Tour title just a couple of weeks before his 40th birthday.
Marcus Helligkilde signed for a fourth-round 68 to finish in solo second on ten under, one clear of Park Sanghyun, Jorge Campillo, Joost Luiten and Scott Jamieson.
Larrazábal, for whom this was his eighth European title, came almost a year to the day since his win at last year’s ISPS Handa Championship in Spain, said: “It’s amazing. In two weeks time I’m turning 40. I’m not a long hitter. To play against all these 20-year-old guys now that hit the ball 40 yards over me, and to beat them is unbelievable. And to do it here in Korea, where we have not come for ten years, is amazing.”
He added: “My favourite moment of the championship was probably on Tuesday when I realised how good the golf course was and how it could suit my game. Then when I saw the weather on Friday afternoon, with the wind coming in, I thought I would have a chance. I’m not the biggest hitter, but I love playing in windy conditions. I love to keep it low. I also love how Jack Nicklaus designs his golf courses. It’s all about the second shot into the greens. Is it better for Korean or European golfers? I don’t know, but this was my week, and I’m delighted to end the week holding the trophy!”
For the final scores, click here.
Pablo Larrazábal’s winning gear
Driver: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond (10.5°)
Fairway: Callaway Paradym (16.5° & 18°)
Utility: Callaway X Forged UT (24°)
Irons: Callaway Apex TCB (5-7), Callaway MB (8-P)
Wedges: Callaway MD4 (50°, 56°, 60°)
Putter: Odyssey White Hot Versa 7
Ball: Callaway Chrome Soft X Triple Track