FORMER Ryder Cup player Paul Broadhurst defeated Gordon Manson on the second hole of a play-off in the 2015 Prostate Cancer UK Scottish Senior Open to join an exclusive club of players who have won on their European Senior Tour debut.
The Englishman, who only celebrated his 50th birthday just over a fortnight previously, became the tenth player to win first time out on the European Senior Tour and he had to do it the hard way by holing a curling downhill 25-foot putt to get into a play-off at Archerfield Links Golf Club. He then needed two more birdies to beat a dogged opponent who earlier in the year had won his own maiden Senior Tour title at the Swiss Seniors Open at Bad Ragaz.
“I’m speechless,” said Broadhurst had briefly held a four shot lead over the field after reaching seven under par after 12 holes of his second round.
“Yesterday when I finished the way I did I let 15 guys back in to the tournament. I didn’t sleep too much last night but today I played pretty solid.
“I have to admit I’m a bit surprised because I’ve got a dreadful play-off record. I mean it’s dreadful. Absolutely dire. I was two from 12 before today and none from four on the European Tour, so I suppose you could say I was due one.
“This means a lot to me. It’s been nine years since I won a tournament as big as this so I’m a bit emotional at the moment. I want to dedicate it to Dave Baxter, a real big pal of mine who died earlier this year. He travelled around the world with me so it’s a shame he isn’t around to see this today.”
Broadbent finished regulation at 7-under along with Manson (71-70-68) with Mark Mouland (71-73-78) third on 4-under.
Peter Fowler (74-68-76) was the best finishing Aussie at 2-over tied for 13th and remains third in the season long Order of Merit ranking.
Peter O’Malley (70-76-78), who had a promising start to co-lead after the first round, blew out on the weekend to finish at 8-over tied for 39th.
2015 Scottish Senior Open Results