Montgomerie pays tribute to ‘amazing’ Warren
The Scots edged a thrilling play-off on the 18th hole of the Olazabal course against Boo Weekley and Heath Slocum of the United States, making par on the third extra hole to clinch the win.
Scotland were in the clubhouse at six under – a 25-under 263 for the tournament — before USA birdied the 18th to tie for the lead and force the play-off.
It had initially looked bad when Montgomerie teed off into a bunker on the first extra hole and Warren compounded to send his approach shot into another bunker close to the flag.
Montgomerie chipped out but the ball fell short of the pin leaving Warren with a tricky task to putt from 10 feet.
However, the 26-year-old remained calm and collected to sink the crucial putt for par and force a second extra hole.
“What a putt he holed,” said Montgomerie. “We were out, I had hit a terrible drive, a terrible bunker shot, and it is amazing what a good putt can do. From then on I thought we were favourites, going back to 18 again and we did very well.
“We are very proud of each other and I expect Marc to progress hugely in the world of golf.”
Warren, who earlier this year won the Johnnie Walker Championship, was equally complimentary of his playing partner.
The duo first played together at the World Cup in Barbados last year, that time suffering play-off heartache at the hands of Germany.
“To have the opportunity to play with a golfer who has been there, seen it and done it all is an honour for me,” said Warren.
“He is a person I can learn from, I have learnt again this week and I am sure next time I play with him I will learn again.
“He is a great player and a great person to boot, someone I thoroughly enjoy being around – a person who likes to win and really that is what this game is all about.”
The defeat was no doubt disappointing for the United States, who had deservedly led in all three previous rounds.
France’s Raphael Jacquelin and Gregory Havret, who had forced themselves into contention with a fine second-round score, fell just short as they carded a five-under-par 67 and a 24-under 264 for the tournament to claim third place.
Justin Rose and Ian Poulter, playing for the first time together at the World Cup, had kept England in contention throughout the tournament but were unable to make a genuine challenge for the trophy on the final day.
South Africa’s Retief Goosen and Trevor Immelman combined for a three-under-par 69 to claim fifth place while Sweden, who shot an impressive two eagles in their round, finished tied for sixth along with the Netherlands, Germany and Argentina.
After an excellent 65 on Saturday, Ireland’s Michael Hoey and Gareth Maybion collapsed to a disastrous 78 in their final round.
n Aaron Baddeley delighted his home crowd by winning the MasterCard Masters title after edging out Sweden’s Daniel Chopra at the fourth extra play-off hole in Melbourne. Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy had a disappointing one-over-par 73 finish to drop to a share of 15th.
Chapchai Nirat of Thailand boosted his hopes of winning the Asian Tour Order of Merit title after claiming his second victory of the season at the Hana Bank Vietnam Masters yesterday.
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