England’s Steve Webster ended a ten-year wait for his first European Tour title when he won the Telecom Italia Open at Castello di Tolcinasco Golf Club near Milan by three strokes.
After five second places since turning professional in 1995, Webster broke his duck with a closing four under par 68 for an 18 under par total of 270, three clear of Welshman Bradley Dredge, England’s Richard Finch and Denmark's Anders Hansen.
Emanuele Canonica delighted the home fans as he challenged Webster on the final day, firing a closing 67 to finish in fifth place on 14 under par 274.
"It is a real tough driving course and I have driven it great for four days," said Webster, "especially on the back nine today when it really mattered. This is like a dream come true.
“I was concentrating really hard. My mind was racing ahead. I always thought I could win and with nine holes to go I was telling myself you are going to win this. But to make the winning putt with a couple of shots in hand was a great feeling.”
Webster credited five-times Major Champion Seve Ballesteros with getting him into a winning frame of mind.
"I saw Seve at San Roque and he said time was running out for me. Seve has always taken a big interest in my career, he's my hero, still is, and that clicked a bit with me. It was another kick to get me into the winner's circle."
The 30-year-old Englishman needed a strong finish after Hansen moved alongside him at the top of the leaderboard coming down the homeward stretch. The Dane, winner of the PGA Championship in 2002, fell short though with his 66.
Dredge was only a shot behind Webster playing the last up ahead, but the Welshman found water with a three iron off the tee and bogeyed to deny himself second outright with a 69.
Rookie Finch, the second round leader and Webster's nearest rival overnight, like Webster and Hansen, finished strongly by covering the back nine holes in four under, for a 70.
It has taken a decade for Webster to prove the potential shown when he took the silver medal as top amateur in the 1995 Open Championship at St Andrews.
He decided to transform his fortunes by consulting a mind magician Jamil Qureshi, who performs in touring shows as well and also works with several European Tour players on the mental side of playing, including Nick Dougherty who also won his maiden title earlier in the season.
"Jamil and I have had some great sessions this week, an hour every night, it really got me focused and it proved its worth today," added Webster.
Webster won €216,660 to climb to ninth in the European Tour Order of Merit. He also won his weight in Grana Padano cheese, or 75 kgs, plenty for his Dad's cheese and biscuits!
Reuters and European Tour Staff
