Updated at 11.55pm
A STRONG FINISH from Rickie Fowler saw the American warm up for next week’s Open in perfect fashion with victory in the Scottish Open at Gullane Golf Club.
The world number nine came into Sunday’s final round sitting two shots behind overnight leader Daniel Brooks, who could only manage a round of three over to drop out of contention.
Fowler birdied three of the last four holes to record a two-under 68 to top the leaderboard on 12-under overall and claim his first European Tour title.
He finished one shot ahead of compatriot Matt Kuchar, who briefly held the clubhouse lead, and Raphael Jacquelin.
Coming down the last, Fowler was tied with Kuchar on 11-under, but a stunning approach gave him a simple birdie chance from two feet and he made no mistake.
Meanwhile, Jacquelin, who had carded a superb 64 to surge into contention on Saturday, was playing with Brooks in the final pair and needed to hole his second shot on the 18th to draw level with Fowler.
The Frenchman almost pulled it off, the ball spinning to within a foot of the hole, but Fowler was able to breathe a sigh of relief watching on a television monitor.
“I had to dig deep and I saved the best swings for the last and hit a great wedge in there,” the American said afterwards. “Jacquelin gave me a scare on 18, but it’s been a special week and I’m looking forward to taking this form into The Open.
“I enjoyed the week, we got some tests over the weekend with the wind and it made it fun so you had to be on top of your game.
“Playing in front of the Scottish crowd, they know and love the game. I really enjoyed playing in front of them and it was nice to show them a thing or two.”
Despite falling down the leaderboard, Brooks’ finish of tied seventh was enough to earn him a place at The Open at St Andrews, which starts on Thursday.
Across the Atlantic, meanwhile, Jordan Spieth continued his incredible run of form with a playoff victory at John Deere Classic.
The world number two defeated Tom Gillis to claim his fourth tournament victory of the season.
