Saxton secures amateur crown at Turnberry

Reinier Saxton has won the 113th Amateur Championship after a close final at Turnberry on Sunday.

The 20-year-old Dutchman beat Brit Tommy Fleetwood, aged 17, 3&2 in the 36-hole final in steadily worsening conditions. Reinier Saxton fully deserved his win after firing eight birdies in 34 holes, becoming the second Dutchman to win the title, following in the footsteps of Rolf Muntz who was victorious in 1990.

The Champion now qualifies to play in the Open at Birkdale and next year’s Masters.

“I felt quite relaxed,” Saxton said afterwards. “Of course you’re going to feel a little pressure over the last few holes, but I just had to stay focused whatever happened. Even when you’re three holes ahead you can still lose.”

Some wayward shots over the back nine cost Fleetwood his chance of becoming the youngest ever winner of the Turnberry Amateur Championship.

“He just played much better than me – tee to green he was much better than I was,” said Fleetwood. “He deserved to win more than me. I can’t be disappointed – I did better than 286 other golfers but I would really like to have won.”