Oliver Wilson has won the Dunhill Links Championship at St. Andrews. Putting an end a difficult time in his career and gaining the golfer his first-ever win on the European Tour.
Since turning pro over a decade ago, Wilson has racked up nine runner-up finishes and was a member of the 2008 Ryder Cup Team. But a dip in form cost the Englishman his European Tour card in 2011.
The past few seasons have been a real struggle for the 34-year-old, who admitted last night there were times he considered giving up the game.
"It's expensive to go and play professional golf and when you're not earning anything. It's almost the cost equivalent of going on holiday every week when you're not earning anything back. It's stressful and hard on you and your family so there were certainly times when I was questioning what I was going to be doing."
However a change in driver and a new swing approach seem to have finally done the trick. Helping Wilson to gain his one-stroke victory yesterday over World Number 1 Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood and Richie Ramsay. A result even McIlroy was happy with, Tweeting, "Don't think I could've chosen a better person to finish 2nd to this week! Congrats @Oliver_Wilson so well deserved!"
Wilson, who started the weekend ranked 792 in the World, will now likely move into the top 160. While yesterday's performance has also gained the Challenge Tour player a rather nice payday of almost £500,000.
"I don't have the words for it," Wilson stated after his win. "It's been 10-11 years coming, and nine runner-up finishes where nothing really went my way. To have the invite to play here, I can't thank people enough."
The Callaway player remarked, "I could be drunk for a while - it's been a long time coming and I have a lot of champagne on hold. It's going to be a good party."
Check out the equipment that helped Wilson reach his first victory:
Driver:
Callaway Big Bertha V-Series (9-degree)
3-Wood:
Callaway X2 Hot Pro (15-degree)
Irons:
Callaway Apex Pro (4-9)
Ball:
Callaway Speed Regime 3
Image courtesy: www.oliver-wilson.com
