Golfer wins tournament in playoff 24 hours after car crash drama

England’s Andrew Haswell produced a remarkable comeback to win the Welsh Men’s Open Stroke Play Championship at Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club on Sunday, just 24 hours after being involved in a car accident.

The Ormskirk golfer recovered from opening rounds of 74 and 75 to post back-to-back 70s over the weekend, forcing a playoff with fellow Englishman Tom Hughes of Formby. 

Both players finished at five-over-par after four rounds.

Hughes had surged into contention with impressive rounds of 68 on Friday and Saturday, but a closing 74 on Sunday proved costly following an earlier 79 on Thursday.

The championship was decided on the 10th hole, where Hughes narrowly missed a 10-foot par putt that lipped out, leaving Haswell to calmly tap in for victory.

Elsewhere, England’s Ben Willis (Hunstanton), Luke Metcalf (Tandridge) and Sam Marshall (St Neots) shared sixth place at 11-over-par.

Speaking after his win, Haswell admitted the achievement had yet to sink in.

“It’s unbelievable – I’m speechless, it’s just unreal,” he said. “I’ll wake up tomorrow and it’ll probably hit me then.

“Coming down the stretch, I knew I was a couple back, so I had to stay focused, keep the pressure on and take my chances. I’m proud of how I handled that.”

Haswell also revealed the extent of Saturday morning’s incident, which occurred near the course.

“I was driving down a lane by the clubhouse when another car came round the corner too quickly, skidded and hit me,” he explained. “I was lucky to be able to continue playing, to be honest. I’ll be getting the car sorted now.”