Derksen takes Madeira win
Holland’s Robert-Jan Derksen fired a superb closing 67 to win the Madeira Island Open today.
Derksen carded six birdies, including a decisive one from 15 feet on the 18th, for a 13 under par total of 275 at Santo da Serra.
Scotland’s Gary Orr had a chance to force a play-off with a birdie on the last but left his chip from the front of the green woefully short and missed the par attempt.
That also cost Orr, without a win in five years, outright second with playing partner Andrew McLardy of South Africa holing from 10 feet for birdie on the same hole to finish 11 under.
Ireland’s David Higgins finished fourth a shot further back with England’s Tom Whitehouse in fifth on seven under, helped by holing a five iron for a hole in one on the 15th.
Derksen, who was a shock winner of the Dubai Desert Classic in 2003, began the day one off the lead but birdies at the second and third quickly moved him into a lead he would never relinquish.
Orr ensured the Dutchman would not have it all his own way with three birdies in four holes from the 11th, but Derksen responded with birdies on the 15th and 18th to seal his second European Tour title.
