‘It’s just crazy’: Australia’s Lee holds nerve in playoff to win Scottish Open

Australia’s Min Woo Lee edged out Thomas Detry and Matt Fitzpatrick in a three-way playoff to win the Scottish Open in wet conditions at the Renaissance Club on Sunday (Monday AEST).

With his second European Tour victory, Lee secured one of three places on offer at next week’s British Open at Royal St George’s, alongside Belgium’s Detry and Englishman Jack Senior.

Min Woo Lee won the Scottish Open and a place in the British Open.Credit: Getty Images

A torrential rainstorm, accompanied by thunder and lightning, caused play to be halted for one and a half hours in the late afternoon, before Lee finished with a seven-under-par round of 64 to set the clubhouse target at 18 under.

Overnight leaders Detry and England’s Fitzpatrick matched that total to force a playoff.

It was to last only one extra hole as Lee calmly rolled in a 10-feet birdie putt.

“I could have holed a few more putts, in regulation I missed it by a roll, that was painful but we regrouped and the tournament starts in the playoff, pretty much,” the 22-year-old said.

“It’s just crazy, I’ve kind of dreamt of it last night and people back home staying up late to watch me, sending messages.

“It’s awesome to do it here. I’ll enjoy this one.”

England’s Ian Poulter and American Ryan Palmer finished one shot back in a tie for fourth alongside Australia’s Lucas Herbert, who won last week’s Irish Open.

World No.1 Jon Rahm came seventh at 16 under, with Americans Justin Thomas and Johannes Veerman a further stroke back.

Senior, who led after the first two rounds before a 73 on Saturday, recovered with a 66 to finish tied 10th on 14 under alongside world number five Xander Schauffele.

Meanwhile, the British Open field took two hits this weekend as Masters champions Hideki Matsuyama and Bubba Watson withdrew ahead of the July 15 start at Royal St. George’s.

Matsuyama, who tested positive for COVID-19 after the first round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic on July 2, won’t travel due to United Kingdom health protocols.

The reigning Masters champ has remained quarantined since and hasn’t shown symptoms, but continues to test positive on PCR tests.

“I’m feeling fine but haven’t been able to practise in preparation for the Open,” said Matsuyama in a statement. “Combining that with the difficult travel to the UK, my team and I have decided it’s best to withdraw to ensure everyone’s safety.”

Matsuyama will focus on the Tokyo Olympics, which begins its golf competition on July 29.

Watson, a two-time Masters winner, withdrew after having direct contact with someone who tested positive.

“While I am vaccinated and have passed the required pre-travel COVID test, not enough time has passed for me to comfortably join the charter flight and risk exposure to the other players and personnel on board,” explained Watson.

They’ll be replaced in the field with Americans Harold Varner III and Brendan Steele.

Reuters