KARLBERG WINS IN ITALY

Black Mountain sponsored player Rikard Karlberg won the 72° OPEN D’ITALIA presented by DAMIANI following a play-off with Martin Kaymer on a dramatic afternoon in Italy.

The Swede took advantage of Kaymer’s disappointing back-nine where the German had dropped three shots by storming home in 32 to force extra-time.

Karlberg and Kaymer both made par on the first play-off hole but it was Karlberg’s birdie in his second attempt that saw him claim his first European Tour title.

Here’s what Karlberg had to say following his career-changing victory.

“I thought I had a good chance this week because I have been playing very well lately but then when we were getting near to the end of the round I didn’t think I had done enough.

But then I managed the birdies at 16 and 17 which was good enough to get into the play-off. Then to go on and win against a player as good as Martin Kaymer in sudden-death makes it very special.

I had a perfect yardage for my second shot in the second play-off hole and I hit a lovely draw in there. Then I kind of new the line from my previous putt and I hit a brilliant putt to make the birdie.

It feels amazing to get my first win and it has been a pretty crazy year for me. I got married and now my wife is expecting twins in December! So to get my first win on Tour and to give myself such a huge boost in my career is pretty special”