Alex Noren wins Scottish Open

Sweden’s Alex Noren won the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Castle Stuart by a single shot from Tyrrell Hatton of England. Hatton earned an Open Championship place together with Nicolas Colsaerts, Matteo Manassero and Richie Ramsay.

Alex Noren of Sweden carried a two-shot lead into the final day at Castle Stuart and, despite challenges from a number of players, he was able to keep his nose in front and claim his fifth European Tour title.

Noren battled hard to post a closing round of 70 and to finish just one clear of Tyrrell Hatton. Nicolas Colsaerts, Danny Lee and Matteo Manassero finished a shot further back in a tie for third.

Colsaerts made a great run on his back nine. The Belgian eagled the 12th and then followed up with three straight birdies. He also birdied the 18th to charge up the board and claim a spot in The Open Championship. The other players who earned a place at Royal Troon were Tyrrell Hatton, Matteo Manassero and Richie Ramsay.

Noren struggled with his game on the final day at Castle Stuart but he kept it together with some tenacious play. He stamped his authority on the championship with a superb second shot to the difficult par-4 15th. It set up a birdie that gave him a two-shot cushion.

Noren parred in from there to post a four round total of 14-under-par. Although Hatton managed a birdie at the home hole to reach 13-under, he came up just one shot shy.

3 talking points from the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open:

1 – Having struggled with injuries in recent years, this victory signifies a great return to form for the talented Swede Alex Noren. This was his fifth European Tour title and should see him move towards the top-50 on the Official World Golf Ranking. “I had to work hard today as my game wasn’t right there,” said Noren. “But I’m just relieved I was able to get through and get the victory.”

Alex Noren putting tips:

2 – There was a tournament within a tournament at Castle Stuart with four places in The Open Championship at Royal Troon up for grabs. In the end it was Tyrrell Hatton, Nicolas Colsaerts, Matteo Manassero and Richie Ramsay who took the places. Spain’s Jorge Campillo will be left to rue a three-putt from off the edge of the 18th green – it cost him a bogey and a spot in the year’s third Major.

3 – Some star players will be encouraged by their weekend performances at Castle Stuart ahead of The Open. Phil Mickelson closed with a solid 66 to finish the tournament in a tie for 13th. Henrik Stenson played his last two rounds in eight-under to join Mickelson in that tie at seven-under.

Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open Castle Stuart Golf Links, Inverness, Scotland Jul 7-10 Purse £3,250,000, par 72

1    Alex Noren (Swe)        70    66    68    70    274 2    Tyrrell Hatton (Eng)    70    70    66    69    275   T3    Nicolas Colsaerts (Bel)    74    70    66    66    276  T3    Danny Lee (NZ)        71    66    70    69    276 T3    Matteo Manassero (Ita)    71    67    68    70    276 T6    Richie Ramsay (Sco)    72    68    70    67    277 T6    Andy Sullivan (Eng)    70    70    68    69    277 T8    Callum Shinkwin (Eng)    74    69    70    65    278 T8    Jorge Campillo (Esp)    72    66    72    68    278 T10    Russell Knox (Sco)    72    70    70    67    279 T10    Patrick Reed (USA)    75    70    67    67    279 T10    Graeme McDowell (NIR) 70    69    69    71    279

Note: Player score in bold signifies Titleist ball usage