Irish Golf Desk

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Schwartzel wins Spanish Open

South African Charl Schwartzel thanked caddie Ricci Roberts after a late eagle helped him soar to the Spanish Open title.

A towering three-iron to 15 feet at the par-five 16th all but clinched it as he closed with a 67 for a one-stroke victory over India's Jyoti Randhawa.

Despite a bogey at the last, Schwartzel's 16 under par total was enough to edge out Randhawa (67) in Madrid.

Spain's Carlos Rodiles had a chance to force a play-off with birdie at the 18th but bogeyed to finish two behind in third place after a 72.

And Schwartzel, 22, quickly recognised the contribution of caddie Roberts to his second European Tour victory.

Schwartzel grinned: "Ricci has helped quite a lot - he is very confident and that gives me a little edge."

Dubliner Paul McGinley showed a welcome return to form as closing rounds of 68 and 69 gave him a share 17th place on nine under.

Peter Lawrie finished a shot further back after a 70 while Ulsterman Graeme McDowell also finished in the top 30 thanks to six birdies in a closing 70.

Kilkenny's Gary Murphy fired an excellent closing 68 to share 31st place on six under, but Damien McGrane slumped to 46th place after a scrappy 76.