PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland – Jamie Donaldson of Wales won his first European Tour title by shooting a 6-under 66 to clinch a four-stroke victory at the Irish Open on Sunday.
Beginning the fourth round with a one-shot lead, Donaldson birdied five of his last seven holes to shoot a fourth straight round in the 60s to total 18-under 270 and end an 11-year trophy drought that covered 255 tournaments.
''It feels a bit surreal, to be honest,'' said Donaldson, who topped a strong field that included home favorites Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Padraig Harrington.
''I didn't look at the leaderboard all day. I just felt really good out there. It's just been a case of keeping going. I knew that what I was doing was right.''
On a day of low scoring in calm conditions on the County Antrim links course, Rafael Cabrera-Bello of Spain and Fabrizio Zanotti of Paraguay also shot a 66 to finish tied for second with Anthony Wall (69), who played in the final group with Donaldson.
Mikael Lundberg of Sweden shot a 65 for the lowest round of the week.
The victory, sealed with a 25-foot birdie on the last hole, ended a wild week for Donaldson.
He started it by making the British Open by shooting a round of 62 in qualifying Monday before parting company with his caddie of five years on Tuesday. Two days later he made his first hole in one on tour.
''We haven't actually talked about fees,'' Donaldson said of his new caddie. ''That could be interesting.''
Related Articles
McDowell beats Jaidee to win Volvo Match Play
by Associated Press | May 19, 2013 3:54 PM ETGraeme McDowell made amends for last year's defeat to capture the Volvo World Match Play Championship on Sunday, defeating Thongchai Jaidee 2 and 1 in the final at Thracian Cliffs Golf and Beach Resor... Read More
McDowell: McIlroy, Horizon split 'fairly amicable'
by Ryan Lavner | May 19, 2013 10:32 AM ETGraeme McDowell and Lee Westwood both weighed in on Rory McIlroy's decision to leave Horizon Sports Management. Read More
Only one Irish team to compete at World Cup
by Will Gray | May 17, 2013 7:52 PM ETDespite reports to the contrary, the PGA Tour confirmed Friday that Ireland and Northern Ireland will compete as one team at the World Cup later this year. Read More
Latest News
- G-Mac wins Match Play | OWGR No. 7 | Scores
- Bae wins Byron Nelson | At a glance | Scores
- Johnson storms to first LPGA victory | Scores
- What We Learned: McDowell proves matchless
- Venturi dies at 82 | Twitter reaction | Photos
- Arnie, Jack recall Venturi | Nelson connection
- Week in review: Top Photos, Quotes of the Week
- Thanks, Jack: Guan accepts Memorial invite
- McDowell: McIlroy, Horizon split 'fairly amicable'
- Uihlein gets first pro win at Madeira | Scores
- Open qualifying: Men's local | Women's sectional
- Instruction: Stay stable in high winds like Bae








