Danish teenager Rasmus Højgaard holed a 10-foot eagle putt on the third play-off hole to win his maiden professional title in the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open at the Heritage Golf Club.
At the age of 18, Højgaard became the third youngest winner in European Tour history after Matteo Manassero and Danny Lee, and even eclipsed fellow countryman Thomas Bjørn, in claiming his first victory in only his fifth European Tour appearance.
At the closing stages of a frantic final round in which six players were tied for the lead at one point, Højgaard birdied the last for a 68 and a place in a three-man playoff with Frenchman Antoine Rozner and Italian Renato Paratore on 19 under par.
Playing the par-five 18th again, Paratore fell out at the first play-off hole, and on the third the young Dane made the eagle that secured him the title.
“I just kept telling myself to believe in yourself. I was obviously nervous, playing in my first play-off, but I was in a situation where I had nothing to lose.”
It’s a dream start to a professional career many are expecting to deliver big things. After turning 18 in March, Højgaard finished tied second in his first Challenge Tour event and had seven top-10s on the Challenge Tour before earning his main European Tour card.
“It’s cool to win so early in my career. I’m going to celebrate this victory when I get home to my family and friends, and the I’m looking forward to the next challenge,” he said.