What a Sunday for Kristoffer Reitan as he set a new course record at the Rinkven International Golf Club in Belgium, followed by a playoff win. The Norwegian recorded an impressive score of 62 (-9) to tie with the lead at 13-under.
But he wasn’t the only one chasing the title. Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson almost came out victorious, but his par putt on the 18th lipped out, forcing a playoff with Reitan and Dutchman Darius Van Driel.
The three players all parred the first playoff hole. On the second playoff hole, the trio had birdie chances, but only Reitan made the birdie and claimed his first victory on the DP World Tour. He became the third golfer from Norway to win on the DP World Tour.
Reitan’s winning chances were low as he started the day nine shots from the overnight leader Ferguson. However, he made a historic comeback with 10 birdies, including four in a row on holes 10-14.
“Winning wasn’t even on my mind today. I just wanted to go out and play a solid round. I’ve been really focused on sticking to my process lately. I know that sounds cliché — everyone says ‘shot by shot’ — but I’ve been doing a good job of it, and today was no different. It honestly felt like it was my day. And by the end, it really proved to be my day, which is just amazing,” the Norwegian commented.
Reitan, who had previously considered giving up the game, was proud of his win. “This has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid. I keep thinking back to a few years ago when I was seriously considering giving up the game — I just wasn’t enjoying it anymore. I didn’t see any progress. To be able to turn it around like I have over the last couple of years has been incredible, and to seal it with a win now… It’s just unbelievable. Honestly, I’m speechless.”
Sharing the fourth position were American Troy Merritt, China’s Haotong Li, Englishmen John Parry and Jordan Smith, and South African Thriston Lawrence.
With this win, Reitan shot to 10th on the Race to Dubai Rankings and to the top of the European Swing Ranking.
