McDowell wins top shot in Europe

A nine-iron to 15 feet is the perhaps surprise winner of the European Tour’s Royal Bank of Scotland Shot of the Year for April.

The stroke won Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell the play-off for the Italian Open after opponent Thomas Levet had gone in the water at the fourth extra hole.

He earns a cheque for £1,000 (€1,498) to be donated to a charity of his choice.

Runner-up was Ernie Els for his second shot to five feet which set up an eagle on the 13th hole of the final round in the Masters and also set up a thrilling finish with eventual champion Phil Mickelson.

Third was a 35-foot birdie putt by Miguel Angel Jimenez three holes from the end of the Portuguese Open he won at Penina.