Whiteford pipped to the post in Korea

Scot misses out on maiden tour title as Rumford wins Ballantine’s play-off

For Pete’s sake: Whiteford can barely believe it as his putt to win the Ballantine’s stays above ground

Scotland’s Peter Whiteford cut a frustrated figure after coming agonisingly close to winning his maiden European Tour title at the Ballantine’s Championship in South Korea.

The Fifer was pipped to the prize by Australia’s Brett Rumford after a three-man play-off at Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon, with another Aussie, Marcus Fraser, joining the pair in the sudden-death shoot-out.

Starting the day one adrift of 54-hole leader Alexander Noren, Whiteford had three birdies in a fine front nine and added another at the 11th . He gave that shot right back at the 12th, however, but steadied the ship with five pars.

He arrived at the par-5 18th hole knowing that a birdie four would give him his first win on the tour with Rumford and Fraser already in the clubhouse at 11-under and his playing partners Noren and Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal having fallen out of contention.

After missing the green with his approach, Whiteford chipped to five feet but was unable to convert the putt which meant he would go back down the 18th in a play-off with the Aussie duo, Rumford sealing the title with an eagle to birdies from Whiteford and Fraser.

fterwards, the Scot struggled to hide his disappointment, despite all but sewing up his card for next season after banking a cheque for €191,516.

“I’m sure once it’s all settled it will be a great week,” said the 32-year-old who had been without a top ten finish on the tour since last August going into this week.

“I’ve probably made just enough to keep my card now. I know that’s not what I should be thinking about, but I’ve done that and can press on for the rest of the season.

“Guys like me don’t get many chances to win tournaments, and whatever it was, four or five feet , I hit a decent putt and didn’t go in. But to be fair, at least we got beat by a three on the last and didn’t throw it away – Brett deserves it in the play-off there.”

Whiteford’s fellow Scot Stephen Gallacher, winner of the Dubai Desert Classic earlier in the year, finished in a tie for sixth after a final round 68 which contained no fewer than seven birdies.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor