Hatton holds off Perez to claim victory at BMW PGA Championship

Tuesday, 13 October 2020 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Tyrrell Hatton

Reuters: Home favourite Tyrrell Hatton came through a final-round battle with France’s Victor Perez to secure a four-stroke victory at the BMW PGA Championship in Surrey on Sunday.

Heading into the final round with a three-stroke lead, Hatton delivered a short game masterclass to make six birdies in a five-under-par 67 at Wentworth Club and finished 19-under overall.

Perez, who held a share of lead on several occasions early in the final round, had to settle for second place after bogeys on the 13th and 17th saw his challenge fade.

Hatton realised his boyhood dream of lifting the trophy at Wentworth, having attended the event with his father when he was five years old.

The victory ensured Hatton will break into the world’s top 10 for the first time when the rankings are updated on Monday, two days before his 29th birthday.

“It’s a dream come true for me really,” said Hatton, who claimed his fifth European Tour title. “As a five-year-old walking around here I always wanted to be inside the ropes playing when I grew up.

“This is such a massive event and to get over the line and win here is such a special feeling.

“It was a career goal to break inside the top 10 in the World Rankings so to win here and achieve that in the same week is very special.”

England’s Andy Sullivan and Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed were in a share of third at 14-under, while Ian Poulter signed for a bogey-free 68 to claim fifth spot.

British Open champion Shane Lowry and England’s Tommy Fleetwood both finished with rounds of 73 to drop into a group of nine-under.