Havret defeats Mickelson in play-off

Frenchman Gregory Havret defeated world number three Phil Mickelson in a play-off to take the Scottish Open.

LUSS, UNITED KINGDOM - JULY 15: Gregory Havret of France poses with the trophy following his victory in a play off with Phil Mickelson of USA at the end of the final round of The Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond Golf Club on July 15, 2007 in Luss, Scotland. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

A number of the worlds top players were in contention during the final day of the Scottish Open but it was world number 320 Gregory Havret who lifted the title at Loch Lomond.

After suffering from an injured wrist recently Phil Mickelson showed a return to form and had impressed all week. The American held the lead with one round to go. Frenchman Havret began the day one behind but shot a solid round of 68 which included five birdies.

Mickelson?s erratic back nine included three birdies and three bogeys in the last six holes on his way to a 69 to finish tied with Havret.

During the play-off the pressure was taken off Havret when Mickelson drove into the bushes and took four to get to the green. Havret remained calm and got up and down from a green side bunker to make par and take the title.

?It's a dream come true. I have to say that the French Open is obviously very important for me and for us, but after that, to win a tournament in Scotland is just something else,? said Havret.

Ernie Els completed a solid week with a round of 65 which gave him third place on his own. An impressive 31 on the back nine will give the South African plenty of confidence going into the Open next week.

Luke Donald also finished strongly with a round of 64 which gave him a share of fourth place. The Englishman carded eight birdies on the final day to finish on an 11-under total.

Havret?s win earns him £500,000 and gives him a place at next weeks Open for what will be the Frenchman?s first Major appearance.

Scottish Open

-14 G Havret (Fra), P Mickelson (USA)

-13 E Els (SA)

-11 L Donald (Eng), P Edberg (Swe), L Oosthuizen (SA), R Sterne (SA)

Havret wins at first play-off hole.

Paul joined Golf Monthly in 2006 in a junior role and has since worked as senior staff writer and now as technical editor. He writes equipment and instruction content and tests the vast majority of golf clubs that are introduced every year.