Once upon a time… McDonnell's day

England’s Chris McDonnell managed to deal with “first time” pressure to win LUMAR Slovenian Golf Open. He defeated France’s Thomas Fournier who signed for a 67 score of the day to tie lead afetr 54 holes.

McDonnell was playing in the last group for this first time in his career. “I was a kind of nervous during first 9 holes” he said. Then I played better but I made a mistake on the 14th misjudging the wind. I ended one foot short and it rolled in the water”

Meanwhile, Thomas Fournier, one group ahead, was leading with -7 as the Englishman was then -6. But the player from Hexham golf club made putt for birdy on the last 2 holes and stay in contention to go into a play off.

A play-off for a trophy was a first time as well for McDonnell. “I hit a very good second shot on the par 5 18th. Thomas missed his tee shot and was in the trees so you couldn’t hit the green. I had 2 putts to win and I did.”

By Agathe Séron