Kristoffer Reitan Wins First DP World Tour Title After Stunning Course Record Performance

Kristoffer Reitan claimed his first DP World Tour victory at the Soudal Open after a tense play-off. He achieved this following a remarkable course-record 62. Starting the day nine shots behind leader Ewen Ferguson, Reitan teed off nearly three hours before the final group. His record-breaking performance at Rinkven International GC was enough to join Ferguson and Darius van Driel in a play-off.

All three players made par on their first return to the 18th hole. On their second attempt, they all hit closer approaches. After Ferguson and Van Driel missed their putts, Reitan sank a 15-foot putt to secure his win. This capped an extraordinary day for him, having begun in 23rd place.

Reitan birdied the first hole but dropped a shot at the third. Despite this early setback, he managed nine more birdies to match Ferguson's score of 13 under par. As challengers fell away in Antwerp, Ferguson twice dropped shots early but quickly regained them with birdies, maintaining his share of the lead.

Ferguson birdied the eighth from 12 feet to reach 14 under par. However, he dropped a shot at the next hole after landing in a bunker with his approach. The back nine then became a test of whether he could surpass Reitan's clubhouse total.

The deadlock broke when Ferguson drove into a bunker on the short par-four 16th but recovered with an impressive shot from 42 yards to tap-in range. Despite parring the 17th after laying up, he overhit his approach on the last hole against the grandstand and couldn't recover.

Darius van Driel's path to the play-off was almost as surprising as Reitan's. After starting with 11 straight pars, he finally birdied the 13th and finished with three consecutive gains, including a stunning 25-foot putt at the last.

Other Contenders

China's Haotong Li, South African Thriston Lawrence, American Troy Merritt, and Englishmen John Parry and Jordan Smith shared fourth place at ten under par. Their performances added depth to an exciting tournament that saw unexpected turns and impressive comebacks.

The Soudal Open showcased thrilling golf action with Reitan emerging victorious against strong competition. His win marked a significant achievement in his career on the DP World Tour.

With inputs from WAM