Hatton realises ‘dream’ with Dunhill win

ST ANDREWS, United Kingdom: England’s Tyrrell Hatton celebrated a maiden European Tour victory and the likelihood of a first US Masters appearance next year with a comfortable four-stroke win in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews on Sunday.

Hatton posted a final round 66 for a tournament record-equalling low of 23-under par and in relatively calm conditions on the famed Old Course.

“Ever since I was a six-year-old, when my dad took me to Wentworth, I’ve dreamt of this day,” he said.

Hatton kick-started his season by finishing runner-up in July’s Scottish Open before then sharing fifth place a week later in his first appearance in the British Open.

South Africa’s Richard Sterne (66) and England’s Ross Fisher (67) shared second place on 19-under par, while double Major-winner Martin Kaymer, the 2010 Dunhill champion, could only manage a 69 to finish sixth at 15-under par.

There was some joy for reigning US Masters champion, Danny Willett after an indifferent fortnight either side of the Atlantic for the Englishman.

Willett, who had badly missed the cut over the opening three rounds, teamed with his regular caddy and amateur partner, Jonathan Smart, to post a combined 12-under par 60 over the last day and win the pro/amateur prize by a shot at 30-under par.