Dougherty nicks title and sets sights on Ryder Cup

Published on Monday 8 October 2007 12:13

NICK DOUGHERTY has set his sights on a Ryder Cup debut after capturing the second European Tour title of his career in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews.

The 25-year-old, who had recorded two second places and a third on the circuit this season, shrugged off his nearly-man tag by closing with a one-under-par 71 over the Old Course for an 18-under aggregate of 270 and a two-shot triumph over compatriot Justin Rose.

Dougherty, who banked the winner's cheque of 392,368 to surge to the top of the European Ryder Cup points table in the race to qualify for Nick Faldo's side for next year's clash with the United States in Kentucky, said: "This is a huge win for me. I really want to make that team. I got close to the team the last time, but the thing was I didn't have any really good finishes in the big events that matter.

"I realise that's what you have to do to make that team and wins like this are very important. Outside of the majors, this is one of our biggest events on the tour.

"To come out on top in a tournament this size and against a field of this stature will give me huge amounts of confidence for any tournament now."

The former Walker Cup star added: "This is a life-changing win for me, but I felt very nervous at the start of the day. I got off to a pretty bad start, but I trusted myself and my ability. I had some big players chasing me but I got the job done. This is the win I've been after for two years and I'm very proud of myself."