Jarmo Sandelin ended the long wait for his second Legends Tour title by claiming victory in the Swiss Seniors Open held at Bad Ragaz.
The former Ryder Cup player’s only other win came in the 2019 MCB Tour Championship in Mauritius. He started the final day in the final group, but one shot behind his playing partners Andrew Marshall and Adilson Da Silva.
Marshall, who had to play with a borrowed set of clubs in the opening round, would have a steady Sunday front nine, making it to the turn in one-under-par. Just three weeks ago Adilson Da Silva won the OFX Irish Legends, but he would endure a torrid start to his campaign for a second win of the season. The Brazilian would make three consecutive bogeys from the 4th hole and leave himself with an uphill task to remain in contention.
Sandelin was having a dream Sunday in comparison. The Swede made birdies at two of the opening three holes, before a run of three in a row around the turn would see him step onto the 11th tee with a three-shot lead.
Three straight pars at 11, 12 and 13 had ensured Sandelin steadied the ship, and with a run of pars until 16 when he would make bogey. Now the pressure fell on the leader to get over the line, a two-shot lead with two holes to play.
He would par 17 and bogey 18, to sign for a 67 and take the title by a single shot on -10, his second Legends Tour title coming more than four-and-a-half years after his first.
Sandelin said: “It means a lot, I’m back on track and playing good golf again. My son Luke caddied for me in Mauritius when I won in 2019, so it’s nice to have him back on the bag again here.”
“I’ve been working really hard on my game the last two months, trying to find some more distance off the tee, so I’m very happy to be able to get this win. It’s a sign that you are doing the right things.
“The course really suited my game well as you needed to keep the ball in the fairway and putt well, which I managed to do. Hopefully I take confidence from this win into the rest of the season.”
The MCB Road to Mauritius rankings now sees Sandelin move up to 9th after this win, while Peter Baker’s strong finish ensures that he overtakes Richard Green to sit in second place just 49 points behind Scott Hend who leads the rankings list.
The Legends Tour now moves to Carnoustie for the Senior Open presented by Rolex, a week before the Tour’s flagship event – the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship at Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire.