Marco Penge capitalised on Rasmus Højgaard’s dramatic mid-round stumble to capture his second DP World Tour title at the Danish Golf Championship.
Højgaard appeared on course for a second victory in three years when he surged four shots clear by the sixth hole. But a bogey at the seventh followed by a double at the ninth erased his advantage and allowed Penge, who had picked up birdies at the third and eighth, to draw level.
The Englishman pulled ahead when Højgaard dropped another shot at the 10th and then stretched his lead to two with a superb birdie at the 13th. Although Penge wavered with his only bogey of the day on the 16th, he immediately bounced back with a birdie on the 17th to restore his cushion at 15 under par.
“I’ve been playing so well this year,” said Penge. “Coming back from time off and winning so soon after, to achieve what I have since has been amazing. My goal was not to get complacent, and my team and family have kept me striving for more. And credit to Rasmus — to hit that shot into the last for eagle and force me to win it was unbelievable.”
Ben Schmidt of Rotherham secured solo third at 12 under after closing with a 68.
Penge’s victory carried extra rewards: topping the Closing Swing rankings for a $200,000 (£148,000) bonus and entry to the season’s final nine events. He also pocketed $10,000 (£7,400) for his opening-round 64, the lowest score of the week.
Højgaard still threatened late, producing a stunning eagle at the par-five 18th to tie momentarily. But Penge held his nerve, rolling in a clutch birdie putt to seal victory at Furesø Golf Klub.
