Ilonen sees shape of Finns to come

Mikko Ilonen hopes becoming the first Finn to win on the European Tour will do wonders for the sport in his homeland.

Ilonen, who edged out Frankie Minoza of the Philippines, Shiv Kapur of India and Andrew Tampion of Australia to win the Indonesia Open by one stroke at Damai Indah Golf and Country Club in Jakarta, said: “It is a big thing for Finnish golf.

“We’ve had two wins on the Ladies European Tour, some on the Challenge Tour but none on the European Tour. It is a very special thing for me to be the first one and I’m starting to get some press time again.”

Ilonen carded a final-round 70 to finish on nine-under-par 275 at the $1.05m US (€800,000) tournament, which was co-sanctioned by the Asian and European Tours.

Having already made history by becoming the first player from Finland to win the Amateur Championship in 2000, Ilonen is hoping that his latest win will help in the development of the sport back home.

“It is really important to be in the media to boost golf back home. Golf is growing in Finland, but I think it’s growing a bit slowly,” he said.

“Hopefully I can help it by getting positive media, which should help get more golfers back home and maybe some good golf courses as well.”

In the elation of victory, Ilonen appeared a little lost for words as he tried to put his performance at the weather-interrupted Indonesia Open into perspective.

“Finally, it’s over. I’ve been thinking about this all week but I’ve had to try to put it out of my mind and concentrate out on the golf course.

“It’s been tough to do that, especially with having to go out and wait, and go out and wait again, but I’m feeling good to finally win it.

“I’ve been trying hard to imagine how it would feel to win but right now, it’s all such a rush. I’ll probably take a couple of hours to let the feeling go down before I realise what I have done.”

The bad weather during the weekend caused numerous disruptions during the tournament but the Finn admitted that the stoppages probably worked in his favour.

“A few minutes before the announcement was made (on Sunday) that we were restarting I had a pretty big lunch and I always feel like I am swinging really softly after I have just eaten.

“Somehow I hit the middle of the club face all the time.”

Having gained a two-year exemption on the tour, he is now looking forward to a short break next week before returning to action again in Asia next month.

“I am planning to play in the Singapore Masters and TCL Classic next month, and the result here means that I have also confirmed my place in the Johnnie Walker Classic as well,” said Ilonen, who has played in four of the last five tournaments on the European Tour.

“I’m going back to Doha this week to play in a pro-am and to enjoy a short break before returning to action in Thailand.”