Armitage wins as Antcliff’s US Open dreams fade

June 8th, 2021 / Anthony Powter

Marcus Armitage claimed his maiden European Tour title at the Porsche European Open this morning after a sensational final round at Green Eagle Golf Courses.

The 33-year-old from England made six birdies and an eagle to race to 8-under for the day and 9-under for the week. After wins on the EuroPro Tour and the Challenge Tour and struggles just to retain his European Tour card, Armitage was understandably emotional having finally claimed his first victory on the European Tour.

Marcus Armitage Marcus Armitage (Credit: European Tour)

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet, it’s a new feeling I suppose,” said Armitage. “When I had a practice round the other day I’ve never lost so many balls in a practice round in my life. To be stood here being Porsche European Open champion is pretty cool.”

Matthew Southgate looked most likely to press Armitage but drove his ball into the water on the final hole for a 71 to finish in a tie for second. Thomas Detry (69), Edoardo Molinari (70) and Darius Van Driel (70) also finished in a tie for second.

Armitage’s win is the fourth consecutive victory by an English player at the event following Paul Casey, Richard McEvoy and Jordan Smith.

What’s In The Bag: Marcus Armitage

  • Titleist 2021 Pro V1x Golf Ball
  • Callaway Epic Speed Driver (9º)
  • Callaway Mavrik Sub Zero FW (15º, 20º)
  • Srixon ZX7 (4-PW)
  • Titleist Vokey SM8 (50º, 54º and 58º)
  • Odyssey Works 1W Putter

After starting the final round four adrift of leaders Southgate and Aussie Maverick Antcliff, Armitage swiftly made up ground with two birdies in his first three holes. He then went onto close out the tournament with an impressive final round 65, the win moving him into the top 30 the Race to Dubai Presented by Rolex and earning him a spot at the US Open Championship.

Maverick Antcliff was the best of the Australians finishing in a share of 11th position with Dimi Papadatos finishing in a share of 29th position. Jason Scrivener shared 55th position to be the last of the Aussies to make the weekend.

Antcliff, who shared the 36-hole lead, needed a win or a top-3 place to earn enough points to qualify for next week’s US Open. Jason Scrivener was also sitting inside the top-10 heading stateside before his 55th placing saw him fall from 8th to 12th in the standings.

Min Woo Lee, Wade Ormsby and Deyen Lawson missed the cut along with Scott Hend, Jarryd Felton and Jake McLeod.

The tournament was reduced to 54 holes due to quarantine issues for players, caddies and staff from the UK.