Dutchman denies Southport's Fleetwood victory

Jun 23 2008

SOUTHPORT teenager Tommy Fleetwood was denied a magnificent win in the Amateur Championship as Reinier Saxon became only the second Dutchman to win the competition in the 36-hole final at Turnberry.

The 20-year-old from Amsterdam staved off the spirited challenge of Fleetwood to win 3&2 emulating that of countryman Rolf Muntz, who landed the title at Muirfield in 1990.

Runner-up Fleetwood, 17, said: "Reinier deserved to win. I only hit four greens in regulation in the afternoon and that was costly.

"I’ve done better than 286 other players this week but I wanted to win."

Victory ensured Saxton a place at this summer’s Open at Royal Birkdale and the 2009 US Masters.

Saxton started well with birdies at two of the first three holes, but he was hauled back to level by Fleetwood at the ninth when the Englishman chipped in for a three.

The match remained tight. Saxton edged two ahead but Fleetwood hit back at the 17th and 18th to level once again.

The second round was equally tense but, having inched ahead with a 15-footer for birdie at the 24th, Saxton made a telling move just after the turn.

He made a fine up and down from the greenside bunker at 29 for a par while Fleetwood stumbled to a bogey and went three up at the 30th with a nine-foot putt for birdie.

"The 11th and 12th in the afternoon were big holes but even at three up there was pressure," admitted Saxton. "I stayed relaxed and stuck to my plan and it worked for me."

British Amateur championship, Ailsa course, Ayrshire, Turnberry, Scotland: Final: @Reinier Saxton (Ned) bt Tommy Fleetwood (Formby Hall) 3 & 2.