Jonathan Caldwell produced a sizzling final-round 64 to claim his maiden European Tour title at the 2021 Scandinavian Mixed Hosted by Henrik & Annika.
The Northern Irishman entered the finale at Vallda Golf and Country Club three shots off the pace but immediately moved into the conversation with a clean four-birdie outward nine. He added two more gains on Nos. 10 and 11 then drove the green on the par-4 14th and made the eagle putt. He would drop his only shots on 15 and 17 but offset them with birdies on 16 and 18 to set the mark on 17 under.
Adrian Otaegui was tied with Caldwell and had a birdie putt inside 20 feet on 18 to clinch victory, but the Spaniard incredibly three-putted for bogey to finish solo second on 16 under.
Caldwell, who is the epitome of a journeyman – having bounced around from tour to tour, at times working in a pro shop to pay the bills, finally landed some job security.
“It’s been a dream of mine for an awful long time,” said Caldwell, choking back tears.
“A lot of hard work goes into it. It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, but hopefully more to come.
“In 2009 I played my first year, lost my card, played mini tours and Challenge Tour over the years, worked as well in a local golf store. It’s been a long road but finally I’m here.
“The golf club at home will probably be going bonkers so just put a tab on and crack on boys and enjoy.
“My parents have been with me the whole way so I look forward to talking to them tonight.”
England’s Alice Hewson closed with a 69 to finish alone in third at 15 under, two shots clear of Aussie Scott Hend and England’s James Morrison who matched 70s to share fourth.
Joachim B. Hansen (69) was then at 12 under, one better than home favorite Alexander Bjork, who shot a Sunday 66 to move into the top-10 on 11 under, alongside Japan’s Masahiro Kawamura (67) and Australian Jason Scrivener (73).
2021 Scandinavian Mixed Hosted by Henrik & Annika
Final Round Leaderboard: Top-10
Pos-Player-To Par (Rd 4)
1. Jonathan Caldwell -17 (-8)
2. Adrian Otaegui -16 (-5)
3. Alice Hewson -15 (-3)
4. Scott Hend -13 (-2)
4. James Morrison -13 (-2)
6. Joachim B. Hansen -12 (-3)
7. Alexander Bjork -11 (-6)
7. Jason Scrivener -11 (+1)
7. Masahiro Kawamura -11 (-5)
10. Haydn Porteous -10 (-7)
10. David Drysdale -10 (+1)
10. Pedro Figueiredo -10 (-3)
10. Olivia Cowan -10 (-2)
Material from the European Tour Communications was used to compile this report.
