july16 havretwins

Gregory Havret beat hot favourite Phil Mickelson in a sudden-death play-off to win the Scottish Open in dramatic style.

It was a thrilling climax as both Luke Donald and Ernie Else charged hard at world number three Mickelson.

But it was the Frenchman who walked away with the £500,000 first prize with a stunning final round.

After Els had topped Donald’s clubhouse lead with a final round 65, Havret and Mickelson were standing on the 17th tee, tied on 14 under facing Loch Lomond’s testing finish.

Havret and Mickelson went into a play-off. But big Phil could only make a bogey and Havret drained a five foot putt to clinch the title.

“It feels awesome to have won,” said Havret. “It’s a dream come true.  I have to say that the French Open is obviously very important for me and for us, but after that, to win a tournament in Scotland is just something else.

“Really over everything, maybe The Open is over that, but after that, maybe BMW PGA or something like that.  But it’s just an awesome tournament; this, the BMW PGA, to win one of these two tournaments, it’s just a fantastic dream.”

While Havret took the main spoils at Loch Lomond, Donald, Els and Mickelson were content to have displayed the kind of form that could make them contenders for The Open.

Donald was looking good and shot a 64 and Els was also confident after his third place.

Havret’s victory earned him a place at The Open, which starts on Thursday.