HimmerLand made up for Højgaard in home tournament

Rasmus Højgaard made history by becoming the first Danish winner at Made in HimmerLand after prevailing in a thrilling six-hole play-off against Nacho Elvira.

The 21-year-old started the day six shots back but a six under par 64 saw him set the target at 13 under with six groups left to play, and his mark could only be matched by third round leader Elvira, who bogeyed the 72nd hole to post a level par round of 70.

The Spaniard joined the home favourite back on the 18th tee at HimmerLand and they could not be separated during five separate trips down the final hole, both recording par on each occasion.

However, Højgaard holed a clutch ten-foot par putt on the fifth extra hole to keep the play-off alive, which proved to be a huge swing of momentum.

The Billund native split the fairway with his tee shot on the sixth extra trip down the 18th, while Spain’s Elvira found the thick rough before subsequently hitting his second shot out of bounds. Højgaard safely found the middle of the green and calmly two-putted for par to claim an emotional fourth DP World Tour title in front of rapturous home support, which included twin brother Nicolai and a group of family and friends.

“I don’t know, I’m speechless at the moment. To be fair, I didn’t think I’d end up in a play-off today. It’s quite amazing. It’s a dream come true to win our home event. It’s amazing.

“It isn’t that long ago that I was one of those kids trying to get balls and signed gloves. It’s awesome to see them out here supporting us.

“This is better than I could ever dream of. We’ve wanted a Danish winner for so long now, so to be able to do it is amazing.”

Elvira’s second place was, however, enough to secure him a place in The 151st Open at Royal Liverpool Golf Club later this month. Made in HimmerLand formed part of The Open Qualifying Series where the top three, not already exempt, earn a spot in the final men’s Major of the year, and the Spaniard will be joined by Finn Kalle Samooja and Scotland’s Marc Warren in England.