Simon Thornton dedicated his maiden European Tour win to his late father. Picture ©Getty ImagesAn emotional Simon Thornton dedicated his maiden European Tour victory to his late father after the Irishman showed nerves of steel to beat Tjaart Van der Walt of South Africa in a play-off and claim the Najeti Hotels et Golfs Open presented by Neuflize OBC title on Father’s Day, writes the European Tour.

Simon Thornton has a share of the lead through three rounds in St Omer ©Getty ImagesSimon Thornton carded the first hole in one of his professional career on the way to a stunning six under par 65 as the Irishman moved into a three-way tie for the lead going into the final day of the Najeti Hotels et Golfs Open presented by Neuflize OBC, writes the European Tour.