Adrian Meronk produced a brilliant closing stretch of holes to seal a three-shot victory at the Irish Open on Sunday.
The 29-year-old, who became the first Polish winner on the DP World Tour, took a one-shot lead into the final round and carded a six-under-par 66 to reach 20-under for the tournament and beat New Zealand’s Ryan Fox, who had piled the pressure on with a 64.
The title continued a fantastic year for Meronk, after six previous top-10 finishes including three third-placed efforts.
“It’s such a relief, to be honest,” the world No 110 told Sky Sports. “I’ve been coming quite close a couple of times this year and to finally open the door is just a dream come true. That’s why we practise every day and I’m super happy …
“I’m not stopping, I’m gonna keep going forward and it’s just another step for me. I’m super excited to win here in Ireland, such a great history. I can’t describe it.”
Meronk found himself one shot behind with four holes to play after Fox’s sparkling round, which would have been even better if not for a bogey on the 18th hole.
But the Pole rose to the occasion, making birdies on the 15th and 16th holes, before effectively wrapping up the win by draining a long eagle putt from off the green on the par-five 17th.
😃 Birdie
🤩 Birdie
🤯 Eagle @AdrianMeronk takes a three shot lead to the 18th.#HorizonIrishOpen pic.twitter.com/gAyYfqdiIP— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) July 3, 2022
South African Thriston Lawrence finished alone in third place, four strokes off the pace.
Former champion and home favourite Shane Lowry, who only narrowly avoided missing the cut, finished in a tie for ninth on 12-under after a closing 67.
© Agence France-Presse
