Tunnicliff celebrates unlikely success

England’s Miles Tunnicliff is celebrating becoming the third-successive player from outside the world’s top 250 to win on the European Tour.

Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell, winner of the Italian Open last month, was runner-up and delighted he decided to play rather than go to the US Open qualifying.

Tunnicliff, 261st in the world, captured the Diageo Championship at Gleneagles yesterday a week after 255th-ranked Simon Khan captured the Wales Open and a fortnight after 435th-ranked Scott Drummond lifted the Volvo PGA Championship title.

Whereas it was the first victory for Khan and Drummond, it was the second for the 35-year-old Malaga-based player. He won the 2002 Great North Open at Slaley Hall near Newcastle when he did not even have a tour card.

Tunnicliff, who has made 12 visits to the qualifying school in his career, said: “Some people thought I was maybe lucky the first time, but I think I have proved them wrong. I am definitely a winner.

“I’m going to try and go on from here. Maybe get into some Majors and world championships.” He has yet to appear in either.

His five-shot triumph after a closing 68 – the only bogey-free round of the day in the windy conditions – was the biggest win of the tour season by two.

The success of Drummond and Khan played their part.

“Of course it helps,” added the 35-year-old.

“I was watching when Simon said that all he was thinking about was winning and that’s what I tried to do.”

Tunnicliff was doubtful before the start because of a wrist injury.

He suffered the problem moving cases six weeks ago, was worried before the start he might have to pull out and did not hit a single practice shot on Wednesday.