McGrane secures card as Phelan begins own quest
There was an uncharacteristic fist pump from McGrane in holing a testy three metre final putt for par in a round of 69 to join three others, including former KLM Open winners Ross Fisher (66) and Simon Dyson (68) plus Frenchman Gregory Havret (66) on nine under par.
However, minutes later there were wild scenes when Joost Luiten became the first Dutch-born winner in 10 years when he defeated Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez with a par at the first extra play-off hole.
Luiten has now gone to the top of the Ryder Cup points table after both he and the 49-year old Jimenez ended regulation play on 12 under par.
McGrane’s effort, in the final round company of Luiten and Jimenez, has seen him climb 23 places to 71st on the Race to Dubai money list.
“I am very satisfied with my result and I’m really pleased for Joost, while Miguel played lovely again today,” he said. “The two of them just got a few shots ahead of me early on while my putter was a bit cold today and I just was not polishing them off, but overall I am pretty content with this result. It’s my best finish in a few years but then I have been sticking to my guns and I haven’t let up on my work ethic.”
Phelan had come straight from the Walker Cup in New York to accept the invitation to make his professional debut.
The quietly-spoken Waterford player, who earned €3,457, now has a much needed 10 days’ rest before teeing up in the first stage of 2014 qualifying.
“I’m a bit tired now after playing the Walker Cup last week and four full rounds here but then I’m still delighted to receive the invitation and pleased to come here to Holland for the first time.
“I’ve played two Irish Opens and two US Opens and a few other events but this was the first as a professional and it’s been great, and it’s nice also to get a first cheque now for my work.”
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