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Havret wins playoff in Loch Lomond

15/07/2007

Frenchman Gregory Havret beat Phil Mickelson in a nerve-jangling play-off to win the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond.

The world number 320 edged past the American in the first sudden-death hole after both players had finished on 14 under par.

South African Ernie Els finished a stroke behind while England's Luke Donald and Sweden's Pelle Edberg finished on 11 under.

Havret, who was joint leader at the halfway stage of the tournament, clinched victory after Mickelson scuffed a drive into the bushes on the first extra hole and took four shots to find the green.

The Frenchman got out of a greenside bunker to par the hole and pocket a winners' cheque for £500,000 and clinch the final spot for Thursday's Open at Carnoustie.

Havret, who started the day a stroke behind Mickelson, carded a final round of 68 including a flukey chip on the seventh with his ball hitting the flag and dropping in.

The former amateur champion, who failed to drop a shot after the first two rounds, said he was delighted with his performances at Loch Lomond.

"I was really pleased with the last three days," Havret told the BBC.

"I knew today would be awesome whatever the result. It was awesome playing with Phil - it's a dream."

Mickelson (69), who blew his lead after making a mess of a chip on the 13th, admitted Havret deserved to win.

"Greg played very solid golf and I played very erratic golf," Mickelson said.

"I made birdies and bogeys; he played steady and ultimately that won out.

"The back nine was a fight for me, but when he plays solid like that not only does he deserve to win, but he makes himself very tough to beat."

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