Karlsson clinches victory in playoff to top Order of Merit
Sunday, 05 Oct 2008 20:06
Robert Karlsson has four tournaments remaining to hang onto top spot in the Order of Merit
Robert Karlsson won a three-way playoff to win the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews.
The Swede sunk a three-foot birdie on the first extra hole to beat England's Ross Fisher and German Martin Kayman after they had finished on ten-under par.
Karlsson now tops the Order of Merit ahead of Padraig Harrington after his second Tour win in three weeks.
He carded 65 in his final round along with Fisher while overnight leader Kaymer (68) bogeyed the 17th and missed an eight footer to win on the final hole.
Karlsson made par-saving putts on the 16th and 17th holes to force a playoff. In the first extra hole, Fisher drove into the stream and had to settle for a bogey, Kaymer missed a 10-foot birdie putt before Karlsson sunk his putt for victory.
The towering Swede said it was an unexpected win.
"I played a bad round on Saturday but I managed to get myself in to the play-off, " Karlsson said.
"I had a good feeling about the first extra hole. I fancied my chances when I got the yardage for the wedge to the green.
"It's a bonus to be top of the Order of Merit but you do not think about it, you are just trying to do your best.
"I wasn't thinking about the Order but no question Padraig has had the better year. He has won two majors."
Meanwhile Harrington (71), who started the day in fourth, was tied for 13th after three bogeys.
The Irishman said: "I started with some really bad shots and struggled. Then after a few birdies it all fell apart.
"I just wasn't prepared. It's hard to get away with it on a Sunday when you are not prepared right."