Dane Kjeldsen wins Irish Open

 

Soren Kjeldsen was victorious at the Irish Open despite a final round 76 which forced him into a three-way play-off. 

Kjeldsen picked up the fourth title of his career and his first in six years to beat England’s Eddie Pepperall and Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger at the first play-off at the Royal County Down Golf Course.

In windy conditions, there were few to hit any score in the 60s, but Pepperall was one of them to put himself into contention after shooting a 69, but it wasn’t enough as Kjeldsen claimed victory.

There was consolation for the Englishman as his performance earned himself a spot at the Open in July where he will compete against stars who also competed in Ireland, including world number one Rory McIlroy and American Rickie Fowler, who was one star that survived the cut though he finished 7-over par in testing conditions.

For Dane Kjeldsen, a cheque for £294,000 will see him rise in the world rankings when released later in the week and he will hope it will kick-start his career after a quiet few years for the talented golfer.