US Open champion Retief Goosen eased to a five shot victory at the European Open, carding a flawless four under par 68 in blustery conditions at the K Club in Co Kildare. The South African, who clinched his second US Open crown at Shinnecock Hills two weeks ago, completed back to back wins in successive starts with a 72 hole total of 13-under 275.
Goosen began the day one clear of the field but stretched his lead with three birdies in the first 10 holes. After a run of seven pars, he birdied the last to seal victory and move to the top of the European order of merit. Britain's Lee Westwood fired a closing 71 to tie for second at eight under, level with Australians Richard Green, who returned a 66, and Peter O'Malley, after a 70. Westwood, the 2000 European number one, virtually sealed his spot on Europe's Ryder Cup team to take on the US this September with his second toP 10 finish of the season.
Best of the Irish was Paul McGinley, who finished tied for 10th position on three under after a final round of 73. Gary Murphy finished one under after a 71 to tie for 20th spot. Peter Lawrie shot a 76 to end the tournament three over while John Dwyer carded a 73 to end four over. Elsewhere, Padraig Harrington recorded a fine 71 but it only left him five over while Darren Clarke shot a 72 to finish six over for the tournament.
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
