Grant Forrest Wins Open de España in Dramatic Madrid Finish
Scotland’s Grant Forrest produced a superb final-hole birdie to win the Open de España in Madrid and secure one of the biggest victories of his career.
The 33-year-old held his nerve at Real Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, holing from around four feet on the 18th green to finish on 14 under par and claim a one-shot victory over Spain’s Eugenio Chacarra and France’s Victor Perez.
Forrest began the final round sharing the lead with England’s Joe Dean and closed with a two-under-par 70 in a dramatic final day where the lead changed hands several times.
A pressure finish
Forrest arrived at the 18th tied for the lead on 13 under, with a play-off looking increasingly likely.
Chacarra had made a strong charge with three consecutive birdies early in his round before adding an eagle at the seventh. Perez also moved into contention with birdies at the 16th and 17th.
Forrest, however, produced the decisive moment.
His birdie at the final hole moved him to 14 under and secured the title outright.
The victory is Forrest’s third DP World Tour title and his first tournament victory outside the UK.
Masters and Open places secured
The win also brings a significant bonus for the Scot, earning him places in both The Masters and The Open Championship next season.
It was an emotional victory after what Forrest admitted had been a difficult year on the course.
Speaking after the round, Forrest said he was in “shock” after struggling for form throughout much of the season, but added that previous good memories of the Madrid venue had given him confidence heading into the week.
Strong Scottish success
Forrest’s victory provides another notable result for Scottish golf on the DP World Tour and demonstrates the fine margins that can decide tournament golf at the highest level.
Denmark’s Jacob Skov Olesen finished fourth after dropping a shot at the final hole, while England’s Joe Dean and Daniel Brown shared fifth place.
Brown produced one of the rounds of the day, shooting a brilliant 64, including birdies at each of his final five holes.
Forrest, though, ultimately produced the shot that mattered most, closing out the tournament in style and adding the Open de España title to his growing list of DP World Tour victories.
Congratulations to Grant Forrest on a fantastic victory and another excellent result for Scottish golf. Want to follow in Grant’s footsteps? Join the club today!