Browne enjoys biggest win of his career

IRELAND’S Stephen Browne had the biggest victory of his professional career yesterday when winning the European Challenge Tour’s Norwegian Challenge Open at the Vestfold Golf Club, Tønsberg, carding a gutsy five-under par 67 to win by three shots.

His final round gave the 30-year-old Dubliner a three-round total of 11 under par 205 to win by three from Oskar Bergman of Sweden, and the English pair of Denny Lucas and Mark Sanders.

The win secured Browne a cheque for €16,800, and takes him to 25th on the Challenge Tour Rankings with earnings of €29,844.

The top 15 players on the rankings at the end of the season are rewarded with a place on The European Tour, and Browne is hoping that his maiden victory will infuse him with the confidence and belief to continue his golfing ascent.

“I’m over the moon,” he said after collecting his prize.