The Scotsman's absence from the winner's circle has lasted almost two decades, since he claimed his 18th European Tour title at the Volvo Masters in 1992. In fact, to describe Lyle's winless streak as a 'barren spell' doesn't do justice to the torment he has endured for a generation.
Yet, all Lyle's frustration and disappointment on the golf course was brushed aside today when he won the ISPS Handa Senior World Championship at Mission Hills, China.
A final round of 70, following rounds of 68 and 66 for a score of -12, was enough to give the 53-year-old victory by three strokes over Australian Peter Fowler, who carded a 71 on Day 3.
Lyle has started the season with some consistent performances, already finishing twice in the top-5 prior to this weekend, and he now leads the European Senior Tour Order of Merit.
Clearly relieved after this long-awaited victory, he said: “You wonder after about four or five years whether you’ll ever win again let alone nearly 20, so this is very special.
“I joined the Senior Tour and it didn’t happen as quickly as I expected it to, so you do have doubts. My trophy cabinet has been gathering dust over the years so I feel relieved to get a win and it’s even better that it’s here in China on this course. This answers a lot of questions I had about myself.
“I showed a lot of patience this week. I only made one bogey in three rounds, which is way beyond my norm. Usually I’d make at least four or five but I was very consistent."
HOW THEY FINISHED
| 1 - Sandy Lyle (Sco) | -12 (68 66 70 - 204) | €37,484 | ||
| 2 - Peter Fowler (Aus) | -9 (67 69 71 - 207) | €24,989 | ||
| 3 - Angel Franco (Par) | -7 (69 69 71 - 209) | €17,493 | ||
| T4 - Mark Belsham (Eng) | -5 (71 74 66 - 211) | €11,008 | ||
| T4 - Bobby Lincoln (SA) | -5 (74 68 69 - 211) | €11,008 | ||
| T4 - Juan Quiros (Spa) | -5 (70 71 70 - 211) | €11,008 | ||
| T4 - Noel Ratcliffe (Aus) | -5 (68 74 69 - 211) | €11,008 |
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