Immaculate Ilonen storms home in Sweden

Last week, two of the most iconic courses on their respective tours played host to some of the world’s best golfers.  On the European Tour, a Fin ended a six-year victory drought with an accomplished performance in his native Scandinavia.

Mikko Ilonen shot a closing 69 to record a 21-under-par 72-hole total and win the Nordea Masters by three shots from Jonas Blixt at the inimitable Bro Hof Slott Golf Club in Sweden.

It was the Fin’s third European Tour title and his first since winning the same event in 2007.

Ilonen had work to do after a relatively lackluster opening round, but he shot into the top 10 courtesy of a sublime 18 holes on Friday.

After turning in three-under-par 33, he reeled off six birdies in his final eight holes to head into the weekend two behind last week’s winner Matteo Manassero.

In round three, the 33-year-old picked up where he left off, mixing three birdies with six pars to again reach the turn in 33.

He parred the first three holes of the back nine, before a birdie-birdie-eagle stretch saw him complete Saturday’s play with a two-shot lead over 2011 champion Alex Noren.

On Sunday, there we no signs of early nerves, and Ilonen birdied two and three to move to 20-under-par.

Blixt birdied eight and eagled nine to narrow the gap to two, but three dropped shots in two holes effectively ended his chances.

With no one else making a challenge, a calm Ilonen sandwiched a bogey at 12 with birdies and 11 and 13 and parred home to claim the title.

Talking points:

Andrew Dodt

On Friday, little-known Australian Andrew Dodt enjoyed made history by becoming the first player on the European Tour to notch two holes-in-one in the same round (seventh and 11^th). “I didn’t putt very well so I’m glad I was able to hole with the long clubs!” he said.   

Matteo Manassero

Many would have forgiven the 20-year-old for missing the cut the week after becoming the youngest ever winner on the European Tour. Not a bit of it. The Italian reeled off six birdies in a row to start the tournament and held the 36-hole lead before finishing in a tie for fourth. This youngster has amazing ability and supreme mental strength, and looks like a genuine superstar in the making. You can read my in-depth thoughts on Manassero here: [insert link]

Where was Lee?

It was great tournament, but the lack of defending champion Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia was a blow. Asked at Wentworth if he’d be returning, the Englishman said: “I can’t defend in Sweden because it’s [The Memorial] one of the biggest events on the PGA Tour.” The number of top Europeans playing more and more events in America is a huge concern for the European Tour.

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