Golf Comment: New star is born as flawless An coolly claims life-changing win
A NEW star was born at Wentworth on Sunday when 23-year-old South Korean Byeong-hun An became only the third debutant to claim victory at the BMW PGA Championship.
For someone so young and in his first season on the European Tour to handle the pressure of leading at the flagship event on the last day was fantastically impressive.
Not only did An not make a single bogey in his final round of 65, which helped set a new tournament record of 21 under par, I don’t think I saw him hit one mediocre shot. He could not have played any better.
He will be new to a lot of golf followers but what we have learned from this first notable win is that he can certainly cope with a big occasion. He has the proverbial old head on young shoulders.
WARHORSE
We can expect to see much more of An now, too. It is not overstating matters to say that triumph at Wentworth has transformed his life, booking his place at the Open and the US Open, and ensuring he is here to stay on the European Tour.
He wasn’t the only player to shine at the event. Tommy Fleetwood did well before a slightly disappointing final round, while fellow Englishman Chris Wood impressed by finishing fourth – and won himself a very nice sports car with a hole in one at the 14th.
And what can you say about Miguel Angel Jimenez. The old warhorse was second the previous week in his native Spain and then runner-up again a week later. At 51, he could be on the seniors tours but instead still believes he can compete with the young guys, and he’s proven time and time again that he can.
Colin Montgomerie, who is the same age as Jimenez, won his third senior Major in two years by retaining the Senior PGA Championship on Sunday, so well done to Monty.
Sam Torrance OBE is a multiple Ryder Cup-winning golfer and media commentator. Follow him on Twitter @torrancesam