Rafael Cabrera-Bello Beats Callum Shinkwin in Play-off to Win 2017 Scottish Open
Rafael Cabrera-Bello was victorious at the 2017 Scottish Open, defeating Callum Shinkwin in a play-off after they tied at the top of the leaderboard on Sunday.
The pair ended the tournament at 13-under at Dundonald Links in Troon, Scotland, with Shinkwin missing a putt to win outright on the final hole.
The young Englishman was cool as he attacked the back nine, and he played with composure mirroring a veteran.
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However, he failed on the final green, allowing Cabrera-Bello to contest a play-off for the title.
According to Golf News Net, the winner collected a cheque of $1,166,669 for his efforts.
For a full look at the final leaderboard, visit EuropeanTour.com.
Recap
Cabrera-Bello broke the course record as he battled to the top of the leaderboard, posting a round of eight-under 64.
The champion produced a stunning performance on the final day, completing eight birdies as he tied for the lead.
Coming down the back nine, Shinkwin was in control, having scored three birdies in a row earlier in his effort.
However, there was disaster on the last hole. The player's short game suddenly failed him without warning, and he missed two putts to win the title by an inch, suffering a dramatic bogey.
Shinkwin had been near perfect all day, but it appeared the nerves got to him in his final few shots. The championship was his to grab, and there was shock as he failed after a solid final round of 68.
Cabrera-Bello's depth of experience was telling in the play-off. He played it safe as he hit his tee shot. Shinkwin attacked and was punished, leaving his ball on the edge of a bunker with a difficult lie.
The Spaniard remained focused and hit a fine shot to leave his ball 12 feet from the hole, applying pressure to his opponent.
The European Tour shared the vital shot:
Shinkwin appeared beaten, and he could not find the putt he needed to continue the play-off.
Matthieu Pavon gave a sparkling performance in the final round as he carded a 10-under 66, finishing strongly after a difficult second day in Scotland.
Padraig Harrington, who had shared the lead at the end of the second round, stormed back on the final day, posting a round of 66 to finish eight under for the tournament.
The Irish veteran sank six birdies as he put pressure on the leading golfers, looking to be in fine form.
Harrington avoided bogey throughout his round and putted with confidence ahead of the British Open.
Shinkwin will be hugely disappointed after losing the play-off by missing those two putts on the final hole.
However, Cabrera-Bello was a worthy winner, and he excelled as he clawed his way to the top of the leaderboard with a magnificent round of golf.
The Spaniard will be a worthy challenger at the forthcoming British Open.
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