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European Tour: Anthony Wall Gets First Win in 16 Years

By Mike Randleman

NORTH BERWICK, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 07: Anthony Wall of England with his trophy for winning the tournament on day four of the Aberdeen Asset Management Paul Lawrie Matchplay at Archerfield Links Golf Club on August 7, 2016 in North Berwick, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
NORTH BERWICK, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 07: Anthony Wall of England with his trophy for winning the tournament on day four of the Aberdeen Asset Management Paul Lawrie Matchplay at Archerfield Links Golf Club on August 7, 2016 in North Berwick, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
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It took 431 events, but Anthony Wall is once again a winner on the European Tour.

Stroke play hasn’t exactly been Anthony Wall’s cup of tea this season, but he might be on to something with match play. The Englishman entered the Aberdeen Asset Management Paul Lawrie Match Play with just one top 30 finish on the European Tour in 2016, but he found some magic in Scotland, defeating Alex Noren in the finals for his first win in 16 years.

Golf’s a crazy game, isn’t it?

After avoiding big names like Matthew Fitzpatrick, Paul Lawrie and Chris Wood in his first five matches of the 64-man, single-elimination tournament, Wall had to prove his mettle by facing Noren, the world No. 50 and one of the pre-tournament favorites. Maybe a little time in the cryotherapy chamber proved to be the difference?

Early on in the championship match, Wall, the world No. 234, looked overwhelmed. Noren poured in two early birdies to take a two hole lead and appeared to be on a fast track to his second European Tour win of the season. Wall quickly regained some momentum, however, circling birdies on holes three and six to square things up.

The match was a stalemate for much of the day — 13 of the 18 holes were halved. Wall’s birdie at the par 5 11th ended up being the winner, as the two men halved the final seven holes of the match.

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In the grand scheme of things, this event lacks the luster that the now-defunct Volvo World Match Play once had, but avid golf fans love to watch the format whenever they can. Plus, you have to love Wall’s story — the 41-year-old even set a record this week. Having played 431 events since his last win, which came at the 2000 Alfred Dunhill Championship, Wall has far surpassed Christy O’Connor Jr.’s European Tour record of 276 starts between victories.

“I did wonder whether it would ever come again,” said Wall, according to ESPN. “I’m just so pleased for my parents — they put in so much when I was young. I’ve got two children that just want to see their dad win; I’m speechless, it’s phenomenal.”

Along with his relief and utter joy, Wall wasn’t too wrapped up in the moment to add a little humor.

“It’s funny — the other [win] in 2000 felt like yesterday!”

Other highlights:

  • James Morrison defeated Oliver Fisher 4 and 2 in the third-place match.
  • World No. 25 Chris Wood entered the event as the highest-ranked player in the field. The Englishman is recovering from a neck injury and lost to Daniel Brooks in the round of 32.
  • 21-year-old Matthew Fitzpatrick (No. 46) was a heavy favorite and had a respectable showing, winning two matches before losing to Alejandro Cañizares in the round of 16.
  • Archerfield Links proved to be a gettable course, as several players who posted sub-par rounds were bounced from the event early on. “Wow, what a day!” said Johan Carlson in a tweet. “-5 after 16 holes but still got crushed. Alex [Noren] was -9 and very well deserved winner of today’s match.”
  • The event’s television coverage provided European viewers with player interviews at the turn, an idea that’s at least worth considering for future events.

Next: John Deere Classic Power Rankings

What was your favorite moment from Wall’s big win? Let us know in the comments, and keep it here at Pro Golf Now for more news from the European Tour.

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