Kristoffer Reitan captured his first DP World Tour title Sunday at the Soudal Open, making birdie on the second playoff hole to edge out Ewen Ferguson and Darius van Driel in Belgium.
Reitan, ranked No. 278 in the world, made his move early with a blistering 9-under 62 in the final round. The Norwegian posted the clubhouse target at 13 under par and then waited as the drama unfolded behind him.
Van Driel, the world No. 331, matched Reitan’s total with a solid 67. Meanwhile, Ferguson seemed poised to claim his fourth European tour victory as he approached the 18th hole with a one-stroke advantage.
But golf can be cruel. Ferguson’s par putt on the final hole cruelly lipped out, forcing a three-way playoff back on the 18th.
All three players made par on the first extra hole. On their second trip down 18, Reitan seized his moment, rolling in a 15-foot birdie putt for the breakthrough victory after both Ferguson and Van Driel had made par.
What makes this win particularly impressive is how Reitan handled the pressure of waiting around after posting his score early. That’s often one of the toughest positions in golf – watching competitors try to match or beat your total while you can only sit and wait.
