McDowell wins Scandinavian Masters

Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell, playing only his fourth European Tour event, claimed a stunning victory in the Volvo Scandinavian Masters in Stockholm.

McDowell carded a closing round of 67 at Kungsangen, the course he has recently signed a contract to represent and saw for the first time on Tuesday, for a 14-under total of 270.

A brilliant par at the 18th gave him a one-shot victory over playing partner Trevor Immelman of South Africa, the £200,000 first prize and a valuable two-year tour exemption.

Former USPGA champion Jeff Sluman and Norwegian Henrik Bjornstad were a shot further back, Sluman bogeying the last when a birdie would have forced a play-off.

A play-off looked on the cards for much of the afternoon, especially when McDowell and Immelman stood on the last tee tied at 14 under.

Immelman had the upper hand when McDowell’s drive finished under the lip of a fairway bunker, the 23-year-old having to splash out almost sideways.

He was still behind Immelman’s drive but then played a superb third shot to two feet to save par, while Immelman’s approach flew over the green and he was unable to get up and down.

It was not the only demonstration of courage from McDowell during the afternoon. The former Walker Cup star suffered a dreaded shank on the 15th that sent his ball from a greenside bunker into a lake surrounding the green.

It seemed as if that would end his chances but after a penalty drop he pitched to six feet and salvaged a bogey, before holing from 12 feet for a birdie at the next.