GOLF

Fox runs away with BMW top plum

Agence France-Presse · Sep 19, 2023, 12:22 AM

RYAN Fox of New Zealand hoists his hard-earned hardware after posting an 18-under-par total for BMW PGA title in Wentworth. | Glyn KIRK/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

WENTWORTH, United Kingdom (AFP) — New Zealand's Ryan Fox won the BMW PGA Championship with a superb final round fightback to ruin the title dreams of rising star Ludvig Aberg at Wentworth on Sunday.

Fox began the day three shots behind overnight leader Aberg and a triple-bogey seven on the third hole appeared to have taken him out of contention.

But the 36-year-old covered his last 13 holes in eight under par for a closing 67.

Fox's 18-under-par final total gave him a one-shot victory over playing partner Aaron Rai and Tyrrell Hatton.

Rai missed a long eagle putt on the 18th which could have given him the title or at least forced a play-off.

World number three Jon Rahm, who had been runner-up on each of his two previous appearances at Wentworth, carded a 68 to claim fourth place on 16 under.

Sweden's Aberg, who had been seeking successive tournament victories in just his 10th event as a professional, held a two-shot lead after 54 holes.

But the 23-year-old sensation slumped to a closing 76, including two double bogeys in the space of three holes.