Matt Wallace has been in great form over the past 12 months, with the Englishman claiming his first PGA Tour title and now his first DP World Tour title in six years.
The Englishman led by four strokes going into the final round of the Omega European Masters, but a strong finish from Spaniard Alfredo Garcia-Heredia forced the two into a playoff, which Wallace ultimately won with a birdie on the first playoff hole, the 18th hole.
(Image source: Getty Images)
The win was sweet redemption for Wallace, who narrowly missed out on the same course two years ago, and he was visibly emotional as he lifted the trophy at Cranes Sur Cherbourg Golf Club. However, the Englishman's mind seemed focused on one particular aspect…
In 2018, many thought it was unfair that Wallace missed out on a spot on Europe's Ryder Cup team after winning three times in six months. Now, with the Ryder Cup still 12 months away, his victory in Switzerland showed the 34-year-old is determined to make it to Bethpage Black.
“I'm very proud of today. I'm not crying anymore because this is happiness! I worked hard, Ryder Cup, let's go!” Wallace said after winning his first European Tour title in six years.
13th July: “I’m lacking confidence right now… it’s hard… I’m not at the level I want to be at yet” 😣 8th September: “I’ll do my best in @RyderCupEurope” #OEM2024 pic.twitter.com/fIhDAeb7vBSeptember 8, 2024
“It was a tough day! I felt like I played pretty good… sorry for the tears… I'm so happy, it was awesome! It wasn't easy, I felt like there was a score there but I couldn't hit anything. I hit a good tee shot but like the ninth hole, I hit a good tee shot and messed it up and couldn't take advantage on the back nine.
“I was working hard and Alfredo (Garcia-Heredia) did what he needed to do at the end and I said ‘well played’ to him. The last hole reminded me of two years ago when I lost and I wasn’t focused. But (today), I was focused and I’m excited.”
Considering how emotional Wallace was during an interview at the Genesis Open in Scotland a few months ago, this is a turning point for the Englishman who currently leads the standings in the early stages of the Ryder Cup.
