Scotland’s Calum Hill won the Cazoo Classic, formerly known as the English Open, after shooting a final round 67 at London Golf Club in Kent to win by single shot.
The 26-year-old from Kirkcaldy had missed out on an opportunity of a first victory at last week’s Hero Open at Fairmont St Andrews, losing out to hcompatriot Grant Forrest having shared the lead heading into the final day, but he made no mistake this week.
Hill was one stroke off the pace entering round four and was two shots back as he reached the turn, but birdies at the 10th, 13th and 15th edged him clear of the pack on 16 under. The three-time Challenge Tour winner holed a crucial par putt on the 17th as the contenders lined up behind him, including Frenchmen Alexander Levy who stormed through the pack with an eight under 64 to set a 15 under par clubhouse target.
Hill held his nerve and a par at the last earned him a 16 under finishing total and the title as the inaugural Cazoo Classic champion, Levy claiming outright second place for his best finish since 2018 when he won the Trophée Hassan II.
Richard Bland continued his impressive summer as he shared third place with Callum Shinkwin, Jamie Donaldson and Rasmus Højgaard. The latter held a three-shot lead entering the final day, but an error-strewn round saw the young Dane finish with a level-par 72 to drop back into the pack.
Speaking of his breakthrough win, Hill, who graduated from the Challenge Tour last season, said: “It’s brilliant and I’m delighted. I’m happy with how I managed to play my last 11 or 12 holes and I’m really proud of what I managed to do. I’m also happy I know I can get into Wentworth for the PGA Championship now, as that was in doubt. This is the starting point and if I can take it on from here I’ll see how far I can go.”
Calum Hill’s winning gear
Driver: Ping G425 (10.5°)
Fairway wood: Ping G425 Max 3
Irons: Ping i210 (4-PW)
Wedges: Ping Glide 2.0 (52°, 56°, 60°)
Putter: Ping Prototype LPD Tyne