2020 European Tour: Recapping the start of the season
By Matt Coles
AFRASIA BANK Mauritius Open
A week after the season-opener, the European Tour moved east, and away from mainland Africa, for the AFRASIA BANK Mauritius Open at Heritage GC.
It was a week that saw a brand new winner, as Rasmus Højgaard became the third-youngest player to ever take victory on the European Tour, at just 18 years, 8 months and 26 days old.
The victory came in one of two playoffs so far this season, as the young Dan got the better of both Reanto Paratore and Antoine Rozner in what ended up three-hole playoff, but he almost never made it into the extra holes in the first place.
Højgaard needed a birdie at the last to move to -19, the mark that the Italian and Frenchman were already in the clubhouse at, and that is exactly what the Dane did on the 72nd hole of the event.
After forcing his way into the playoff, the 18-year-old looked calm and collected throughout, going on to eagle the 18th at the third extra attempt, downing Rozner, after Paratore found trouble on the first extra hole.
The top three in the event all moved into the top five on the Race to Dubai leaderboard, with Højgaard moving into 2nd, behind only Larrazabal in the standings.
AFRASIA BANK Mauritius Open Leaderboard:
1 (-19, PLAYOFF): Rasmus Højgaard (DEN)
T2 (-19): Renato Paratore (ITA), Antoine Rozner (FRA)
T4 (-18): Louis de Jager (RSA), Thomas Detry (BEL), Grant Forrest (SCO), Benjamin Hebert (FRA)
Race to Dubai Standings (after 2/46 events):
1: Pablo Larrazabal (ESP) – 460.0
2: Rasmus Højgaard (DEN) – 347.9
3: Joel Sjoholm (SWE) – 323.6
4: Renato Paratore (ITA) – 206.5
5: Antoine Rozner (FRA) – 193.0