SubscribeRobert Karlsson made history by becoming the first Swede to win the European Tour Order of Merit having seen his rivals fall away in the final round at Valderrama.
Lee Westwood still had hopes of claiming the Harry Vardon Trophy for the 2nd time, but Padraig Harrington and Miguel Angel Jimenez had already seen their chance of catching Karlsson slip away even before Sunday’s play at the Volvo Masters.
In the last three-and-a-half years I have taken myself to a new level. But this has been the hardest week I’ve ever experienced in golf.
Robert Karlsson
Westwood, back in the world’s top 10 for the first time in over five years was left to reflect on a season of near misses, as once again he faced disappointment on the final day of a tournament.
Westwood found himself in 2nd spot after three rounds, when only a win was good enough to deny Karlsson of the top spot – unfortunately for Westwood he didn’t even come close in the end.
Kjeldsen never stopped from the moment the Dane started with a blitzing round of 65, meaning he collected the first prize. While Westwood’s T4 with Garcia, 4 shots behind Kjeldsen, and Harringtons 13th place left Karlsson with the top money spot no matter what he achieved.
Order of Merit 2008
| 1 | R Karlsson | (Swe) | £2,171,087 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | P Harrington | (Ire) | £1,953,689 |
| 3 | L Westwood | (Eng) | £1,926,306 |
| 4 | MA Jimenez | (Spa) | £1,641,849 |
| 5 | G McDowell | (N Ire) | £1,477,195 |
| 6 | R Fisher | (Eng) | £1,459,068 |
| 7 | H Stenson | (Swe) | £1,428,947 |
| 8 | M Kaymer | (Ger) | £1,425,677 |
| 9 | S Garcia | (Spa) | £1,264,731 |
| 10 | S Kjeldsen | (Den) | £1,144,815 |
Oliver Fisher finished a very respectable T25 in Valderrama tied alongside Thomas Levet who he had battled with back in March in Andalucia. With tough weather conditions, on the already tough course, Fisher managed to complete the 2nd round on par 71, and looked in good shape only to fall away in the final two rounds.
Ending his 2nd season on the European tour, he regained some of the quality form that bought him 3 top ten finishes and ended the 2008 European Tour Order of Merit at 51 – earning €594,587.
Having missed the cut at four out of the last seven tournaments, it looks like Fisher has regained that magical touch ready for the new campaign, after another hectic season of professional golf.
His achievements of course including posting the winning score in Andalucia back in March, where he was pipped at the play-off by Thomas Levet, just missing the chance to record his maiden tour win.
Finishing Valderrama, which was only open to the top 60 Order of Merit, ahead of the likes of Robert Karlsson, Ian Poulter & Oliver Wilson should give Fisher plenty of encouragement for 2009.
Oliver Fisher Results
Round Scores = 73 – 71 – 73 – 74
Position = T25
Par = +7
Prize Money = €44,500
Popularity: 65% [?]
