German Finn Fleer triumphs in Liberec
EXTEC Trophy 2019 by ATOMIC DRINKS
Fantastic success for Finn Fleer from Germany: the 23-year-old won his first victory of the season on the Pro Golf Tour at the EXTEC Trophy 2019 by ATOMIC DRINKS at the Ypsilon Golf Resort Liberec in the Czech Republic. With 11 under par after rounds of 66, 68 and 71 strokes, he was one stroke ahead of Dutchman Robbie van West and Frenchman Léonard Bem, who both shared second place with 10 under par.
Liberec/Czech Republic – “I am really thrilled about this win! On the first two days I played two good rounds, today I battled my way through all weathers. I'm absolutely delighted about this really successful finish!" Extremely satisfied, Finn Fleer accepted the EXTEC Trophy 2019 by ATOMIC DRINKS winner’s trophy and celebrated his second title on the Pro Golf Tour; in September 2017 he had won the Wrocław Open in Poland and was entered on the Pro Golf Tour tournament winner’s list for the first time.
For Fleer, this second success also means the end of a long dry spell, as last year did not really go how he wanted. One single Top 10 result was recorded in 2018 with hip pain largely slowing the German down. Pain free again now, Fleer had been looking forward to the tournament in the Czech Republic long beforehand, as he knew: "This course suits me!" But above all, he recently changed his mental attitude: "I went into this tournament totally positive and with a lot of enthusiasm. This was noticeable from the very first minute."
On the first day he recorded a flawless round of 66 on the varied par 72 course at the picturesque Ypsilon Golf Resort in Liberec. In round 2, he followed with a good 68 and was only one shot behind the leading Frenchman Léonard Bem (70+63/-11). Lastly, Fleer didn't let the wet, cold, nasty weather, violent gusts of wind and temperatures just above freezing point spoil his mood on the final day.
Winning in the style of a true champion
He fought an exciting exchange of blows with his French team-mates Léonard Bem and Antoine Schwartz over 17 holes, in order to win the title on the 18th green in the manner of a champion. After an excellent tee shot, a strong approach and a first-class chip, he putted the winner birdie from one metre on this 442 metre long par 5 hole. Fleer: "I like this golf course! Especially since we also had excellent, true greens here this year – it was really fun to play!"
Fleer was rewarded for his unadulterated fun with 5,000 euros prize money, moving up to 8th place in the Order of Merit. "I hope things continue like this now," says the winner. This will become apparent on 2 June at the latest, when round 1 of the KUHN Maßkonfektion Open is on the programme at GC Glashofen Neusaß in Germany.