Green finds inner belief

More than 10 years elapsed between Richard Green’s first and second European Tour titles – but it is unlikely to be 2017 before the Australian wins again.

Green sprang to prominence by winning the Dubai Desert Classic in 1997, beating former world number ones Ian Woosnam and Greg Norman in a play-off.

That should have been the launching pad for a hugely successful career, but until yesterday’s dramatic play-off win in the Austrian Open the left-hander had failed to reach the winner’s circle again.

Although he never racked up as many second places as Ireland’s Padraig Harrington – an incredible 30 – numerous promising positions were squandered, the best being a play-off in the KLM Open against Simon Dyson last year.

It looked like another great chance had gone begging when he three-putted the 72nd hole at Fontana Golf Club to blow a one-shot lead and stumble into another play-off, this time with the fast-finishing Frenchman Jean-Francois Remesy, who had closed with a superb 64.

However, it was Remesy’s turn to falter as the players returned to the 18th in sudden death, his approach to the par five finding the rocks on the edge of the water surrounding the green.

The best he could do was a bogey six and Green made absolutely certain of a long-overdue win by chipping to within inches of the hole from the back of the green for birdie to win the first prize of £147,036 (€216,600).

England’s Chris Gane eagled the last for a 65 to share third a shot further back alongside Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez and Swede Michael Jonzon.

“I’ve had that self-doubt in me for quite a long time,” admitted Green, 36.

“I’ve got myself into position and played three rounds great but not four, so to get across the line is a huge relief.

“I was probably as nervous as I’ve ever been on the 18th green and I think that showed with the three putts. I was fortunate that I got into a play-off and still had a chance.

“My brain was pretty scrambled signing my scorecard but a couple of good words from my caddie gathered my thoughts a little bit. He told me to remember my play-off record, having won Dubai and the Australian Masters in extra holes.

“I lost in Holland to Simon Dyson but it’s nice to make it three out of four.”

Remesy won the French Open in 2004 and 2005 – beating Jean Van de Velde in a play-off in 2005 – but admitted he had slacked off recently and had made the cut in just three of his 13 previous events this season.

“I was struggling towards the end because it’s been a long time not being in that position,” he said.

“I did my best so I am pretty happy about what I’ve achieved after the last few months.

“I didn’t work, I didn’t focus on my game after the great time I had in 2004 and 2005. I was a little tired and just practiced enough (to get by), I thought my talent would be enough to keep me in contention.

“The level is so high now, if you don’t work hard it’s like the train has already left and you are still standing on the platform.

“A month ago I almost stopped playing but I worked on a few things and realised I would still like to continue. A lot of people said: ’You can’t stop’ but when your mind says no it’s not easy and you have to find the solution in yourself.”