Gripping GOLF in MALLORCA

Sudden-death setback for Spaniard

Beaten in play-off - Alejandro Cañizares

VETERAN SPANISH golfer José María Cañizares won three play-offs out of six during a celebrated professional career, including his only US Champions Tour (seniors) victory after nine extra holes against Gil Morgan at the 2001 Toshiba Senior Classic.

Nine years later, son Alejandro only had to endure one sudden-death hole in his first Tour play-off but unfortunately there was no happy ending in the Iberdrola Open Cala Millor Mallorca at Pula Golf.

New champion Peter Hanson

After a fascinating and roller-coaster final day’s play at the course re-designed by José María Olazábal, Swede Peter Hanson drew level on the 18th (both six-under 274) while Cañizares, already finished with the clubhouse lead, warmed up on the practice ground.

On the first extra hole, back on the 18th, Cañizares, whose only win on the European Tour had been the 2006 Cadillac Russian Open in just his third start on the circuit, went into the front-side bunker and was only able to scramble a bogey, while Hanson completed a solid par.

Course designer José María Olazábal

His own first win on the European Tour had come in sudden-death against compatriot Peter Gustafsson in the 2005 Spanish Open at San Roque, on the Costa del Sol.

(Photos: Luis Corralo)