MARC WARREN has clinched his fourth European Tour title after winning the Austrian Open by a single shot.
The Glasgow golfer ended his six-year trophy drought by winning the first tournament since golf’s return in Europe following the coronavirus crisis.
Warren started the final round at Diamond Country Club with a share of the lead and he managed to take the title by one shot from Germany's Marcel Schneider.
Victory confirmed the 29-year-old’s full status on the European Tour and he told of his delight following an eventful last day where the lead changed hands several times.
He said: "It’s massive, going from a few hours ago I didn’t have full status, now to be in a winner’s category and plan the year a little bit is good.
"I just need to keep doing what I’m doing, trying to hit one shape all the time and when I do play try and do that and try not to mess about too much."
Warren won in unusual circumstances after having to carry his own bag for the week after caddie Ken Herring did not receive his COVID-19 test result in time for the competition.
He added: "Carrying my bag this week probably helped tone it down a little, just going out and playing and seeing what happens. The result couldn’t have been any better.
“It’s been different [playing without a caddie], the first time since 2005, so 15 years. Hopefully this is the one and only time. No matter what I say, I do enjoy the caddie’s company, especially on days like yesterday.
"Last night, I had a few nice texts from some of the caddies who are good friends. I didn’t say it. but I was thinking I could have done with one of them yesterday. It was brutal. At times like that, you appreciate what a great job they do. I’m looking forward to getting a caddie on the bag again."
Fellow Scots Connor Syme and Craig Howie shared fifth place in the tour event.
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