Singh … taking a liking to links golf

INDIA’s Jeev Milkha Singh has claimed the 2012 Scottish Open and a British Open start after birdying the first playoff hole to defeat Italy’s Francesco Molinari.

The 40-year-old was five shots behind overnight leader Molinari going into the final round and finished even with him on 17-under after shooting a 5-under 67.

“I think the last tournament in Ireland and here have extended my love for this type of [Links] golf,” Singh said after his fourth European Tour title. “I have always loved links golf. You need to use imagination and intelligence.”

“Coming from India I didn’t know a lot about it but I just love it.”

For the second week in succession Molinari finished runner-up after his second place at the French Open.

Scotland’s Marc Warren, hoping to become only the second home-grown champion, was leading by two strokes with three holes to play but three-putted the 16th hole for a double bogey and then had to take a penalty drop on his way to a bogey at 17.

Warren finished on 71, sharing third place on 16-under par with Sweden’s Alex Noren (70).

Defending champion Luke Donald (73) shared 16th place on 12-under par along with fellow filed notables Phil Mickelson (74) and Padraig Harrington (71).

Australia’s best was Richard Green who finished with a disappointing final round 73 to be 11-under tied for 24th.

British Open hopeful Aaron Baddeley missed the cut.

2012 Scottish Open Final Leaderboard 2012 Scottish Open Final Leaderboard