England’s Jason Palmer fired a final-round six-under-par 66 on Saturday to win the Friuli Venezia Giulia Open by two shots, a victory he dedicated to his father who died in January. Picture: Claudio ScacciniBrendan McCarroll carded nine birdies in a stunning nine under par 63 to finish tied fifth on 11 under in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Open on the Alps Tour.

The Ballyliffin professional birdied the first, second, fifth, sixth, eighth and ninth to turn in six under 30, then added birdies at the 10th and 11th before hitting a booming drive onto the par-four 17th green to set up his ninth birdie of the day at Golf Club Grado near Trieste.

Final Scores

“Not bad, missed a few putts,” grinned McCarroll, who edged further ahead of Spain’s Borja Etchart while remaining fourth in the Order of Merit.

England’s Jason Palmer closed with a 66 to overhaul France’s Raphael Marguery and win the event by two shots,  dedicating his victory to hs late father.

“I could never make him proud enough. So Dad, this is for you,” said Palmer, holding back the tears after former Ryder Cup player Costantino Rocca presented him with the trophy.

Palmer finished four shots ahead of McCarroll with Richard Kilpatrick settling for a share of 27th on four under after a closing 69 gave him his first cheque from four starts this year.

Stephen Grant, who was 43rd on one over after a second successive 74, is 12th in the Order of Merit with Kilpatrick 88th.