Ross Fisher dominated the field at The European Open to win by 7 shots. Having not even seen The London Golf Club course before let alone played, it he streaked into the lead with a course record 63 before following it up with 3 further rounds in the 60’s to come home 20 shots under par. That his 63 broke the record previously held by Seve Ballesteros was even more impressive considering the appalling conditions that lasted thoughout the event. Controlling his game when playing into the wind, he unleashed some booming drives and with his superb short game took home the win.

Fisher did not have it all his own way however, Graham McDowell and Sergio Garcia both provided ample pressure throughout forcing the young Englishman the play his best golf. Doubters who thought that Fisher would repeat his last round collapse at last year’s BMW Championship at his home course Wentworth, where he shot a final round 84 after being tied for the lead after 3 rounds, were put in their place as he never really looked troubled. This was despite a superb final round 66 from Garcia who appears to be hitting peak form with The Open just round the corner, especially with his putting. However there was no stopping Fisher who finished in style by holing a bunker shot on the 18th for his second win on tour.

"They say the second win is harder. I might have made it look easy but it certainly wasn’t," said Fisher who had spent some of the previous week battling for a place at The Open. The confidence he gained from his success in doing so obviously carried over to this week and his hard work with short game coach Mark Roe has added a new dimension to his game.

This event was also the first of the European Tour events to implement the new random drug testing procedures.

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Great article Martin, thanks for taking the time to share it with us mate.

I like Ross Fisher. He hits the ball miles (as shown with a couple of 400+ yard drives!) and when he putts well, he's usually there or there abouts on the leaderboard. I thought it was interesting that the first time he saw the course was on Thursday. He didn't bother to have a practice round (something he was slated for in some parts of the media) but I guess he plays his best golf with a clear mind.

Interestingly, he did the same thing in Shanghai late last year. He rocked up to the course on Thursday and should've won. I'm glad he got over that loss and managed to pick up this win in impressive style.

Not to take anything away from Fishers win but Sergio looks like he'd be a good pick for the Open Championship. He was hitting a lot of knock down shots and looks like he's got rid of some of his demons on the greens. Only time will tell but it looks like he's been working on his game specifically for Royal Birkdale.