Silver lining as Scot settles for second behind rookie Spaniard Larrazabal

Published on Sunday 29 June 2008 21:52

COLIN Montgomerie gave himself a timely boost in the Ryder Cup standings but it was not enough to prevent a rookie Spaniard he did not even know the name of stealing his thunder at the French Open.

Pablo Larrazabal, a qualifier for the tournament at Le Golf National in Paris, stormed to a four-shot win but Montgomerie was more than content with a 351,867 cheque and second place, seized from Denmark's Soren Hansen on the final green with a 40-foot closing birdie putt.

"That massive putt on the last makes a big difference in world and Ryder Cup points and it's a step in the right direction at last," Montgomerie said. "And what's very encouraging is that I putted well all weekend.

"Forgive me for not knowing the winner's name, let's just call him Pablo, but he has a great future ahead of him the kid. Good luck to him.

"The flags were no gimmees on the last four and he played them in two under. It's difficult to win out here and he has done it very well."

The 25-year-old Larrazabal, who five years ago was caddying for his brother in the event,

entered the tournament ranked 481st in the world and even described himself as "the 150th best player here".

But, leader from the moment he opened with a 65, he clinched the massive 527,800 first prize with a dramatic and inspired closing 67.

As a result the European Tour rookie will play his first major at next month's Open Championship, has secured a place on the circuit for the next two years and is even in the top 20 of the Ryder Cup race.

Until his win he was not even in the top 100 and only made it into this weekend's tournament after 36 holes of qualifying.

Larrazabal, rated a 200-1 shot before the start, finished on 15 under par with Montgomerie, in easily his best display of the year, runner-up and Lee Westwood, third in the US Open two weeks ago, dropping to joint fifth after going in the lake on the last.

The young Barcelona golfer joined Westwood's ball when he was thrown in by some of his compatriots – then threw his shoes in as the celebrations continued.

"I don't know how it feels – it's fantastic," he said. "I really played great golf and my putter was great all week."

It was only the 17th Tour event Larrazabal had played in his life, although his past experiences do include The Masters at Augusta – again as a caddie for his brother Alejandro, British amateur champion in 2002.

Until this achievement he was only the fourth best-known golfer in his family as both parents were internationals.

Father Gustavo made him work on a fish farm before turning professional to get an idea of what hard work is and learn the value of money. He should never have to go back to it.

His previous best finish was 15th and he had never previously come within eight strokes of the winner, but now he charges from 128th on the Order of Merit into the leading ten and up more than 300 places on the world rankings.

Larrazabal, who played all week without a driver in his bag on the firm and bouncy course, started the final day three ahead and remained firmly in the driving seat with three birdies in his first five.

A double-bogey 7 on the ninth cut his advantage from five to two, but he promptly birdied the next two and after taking six down the long 14th ignored the dangers of the water to birdie the next two again.

"I lost my concentration a little bit on nine, but I told myself 'You're still leading, try to concentrate again'. That I did," he said.

Ignacio Garrido, who lent the new champion a pair of shoes after he emerged from the lake, commented: "I didn't know he was that good – I don't think anybody knew he was that good. It's unbelievable, amazing."

Westwood missed a succession of crucial putts and commented: "After the first five holes just about everything I tried turned to rubbish.

"What can you do? It was one of those weeks where nothing went right."

Two Open spots were up for grabs off a mini-money list running for the past eight weeks and Larrazabal joins Australian Scott Strange, winner of the Wales Open, in claiming those.

Former Open winner Paul Lawrie trailed in 19 shots off the lead with a closing 74, while Andrew Coltart was three shots further back after carding the same score in the final round.