Larrazabal revels in unlikely triumph after 'unbelievable' win in Korea

By Sports Desk April 30, 2023

Pablo Larrazabal was left astonished at beating a field of youthful and more powerful hitters after an "unbelievable" win at the Korea Championship on Sunday.

The Spaniard claimed his eighth DP World Tour title after managing four birdies in five holes on the back nine, carding a final-round 67 to finish 12 under par.

Dane Marcus Helligkilde signed for a fourth-round 68 to finish in second on ten under, one clear of Park Sang-hyun, Jorge Campillo, Joost Luiten and Scott Jamieson.

Just a couple of weeks before his 40th birthday, Larrazabal could not hide his amazement at overcoming the field at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea.

He said: "It's amazing. In two weeks I'm turning 40. I'm not a long-hitter. To play against all these 20-year-old guys now that hit the ball 40 yards over me, and to beat them is unbelievable. 

"To do it here in Korea, where we have not come for ten years and where I love to play. Now it's one of my favourite places in the world. 

"I will be back to Korea to defend this title and hopefully many more times."

Larrazabal suggested the celebrations will continue into next weekend, albeit for different reasons before preparing for the final tournaments of the season.

He added: "My older brother is getting married on Saturday. I don't know if I'll bring the trophy to the wedding but I'm sure we’ll celebrate 95 per cent his wedding.

"A couple – not too many – of drinks celebrating my title. It's my birthday the week after and then flying to the U.S. PGA Championship in Rochester, New York.

"Seven out of nine weeks on mainland Europe finishing at The Open, and then holiday time."

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