English star Matt Wallace wins first DP World Tour title in six years after thrilling play-off hole as he makes major Ryder Cup statement
Two years after losing at the European Masters in a play-off, Matt Wallace prevailed on the first extra hole to win the same tournament on Sunday. In claiming his first DP World Tour title in six years, he will have also caught Luke Donald’s attention.
The Englishman’s early marker for a maiden Ryder Cup appearance was laid down in dramatic circumstances, with his four-stroke lead disappearing on the final day in Switzerland before he returned to the 18th hole for a showdown with Alfredo Garcia-Heredia. Wallace nailed an eight-foot birdie putt to beat the Spaniard.
That prompted him to break down in tears, which offered a window to the frustrations that have accumulated since Wallace’s three-win breakthrough season in 2018.
Despite a victory on the PGA Tour in 2023, the 34-year-old has been open this summer in discussing a long-running struggle for confidence and form, so he was celebrating more than a cheque for £420,000.
Matt Wallace won his first DP World Tour title in six years to lay down a big Ryder Cup marker
Wallace blew a four-stroke lead but managed to recover and win on a thrilling play-off hole
Wallace celebrates with his caddie, Jamie Lane, after winning the play-off hole in Switzerland
‘That’s a hard day,’ said Wallace. ‘It brings back memories of two years ago here when I lost. I wasn’t focused then, (but) that is focus for me right there so I’m buzzing.
‘I’ll stop crying now. I’m happy, this is great. Work hard. Ryder Cup. Let’s go.’
Andrew Johnston, more widely known as ‘Beef’, produced his best performance in four years to take third on 10 under par, one shy of a place in the play-off.
