| -18 Willett (Eng); -16 Hatton (Eng), Lagergren; -15 Lowry (Ire), Bland (Eng) |
| Selected: -14 Gavins (Eng); -13 Fleetwood (Eng), -9 Pepperell (Eng); Hill (Sco); Ferguson (Sco), Ramsay (Sco) |
Englishman Danny Willett gave himself the perfect 34th birthday present with his eighth European Tour win at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
The 2016 Masters champion went into the final round at St Andrews with a three-shot lead and carded a four-under 68 to win by two on 18 under par.
Compatriot Tyrrell Hatton, who led after day two, and Joakim Lagergren of Sweden finished runners up.
“It’s magical,” said Willett. “On British soil. It’s been a great week.”
Willett was briefly caught by Richard Bland but four birdies and only one bogey on the front nine put him in a strong position.
And despite another bogey on the 10th hole, he kept his nose comfortably in front to finish on 18 under at the Old Course.
Hatton, who closed with a bogey-free 67 to finish one ahead of Irishman Shane Lowry produced good performances in their first event after the disappointment of Europe’s Ryder Cup defeat.
