Greg Owen Clinches Mauritius Legends Title with Final Birdie

Greg Owen delivered a dramatic finish to the MCB Mauritius Legends, closing with a birdie on the 18th to win by one stroke. The English veteran edged Jeev Milkha Singh of India and Darren Fichardt of South Africa at Constance Belle Mare Plage in the 2025 season finale.

Final round drama unfolds

Owen started strong, rattling off four consecutive birdies to surge into a commanding position. He added five more birdies between the 6th and 14th holes, moving to 20-under par after 14 holes for the round.

But a costly misstep struck at the 15th with a four-putt that yielded a bogey, followed by another bogey at the 17th. Milkha Singh kept the pressure by making a birdie on the 18th, yet Owen carried a narrow lead into the final hole.

On the 18th, Owen blasted a perfect drive and then a long iron to the heart of the green. He still faced pressure as Fichardt could tie the score with an eagle, but his attempt finished just short. Owen calmly rolled in two putts for a closing birdie and a final-round 65, finishing 18-under for the week.

Fichardt signed for a 66 in windy conditions, while Milkha Singh closed with a 68 to finish one stroke behind Owen.

Owen’s earlier rounds were a 65 and a 68, giving him a three-round total of 198. The 53-year-old from Mansfield sealed his first Legends Tour title after a challenging year that included injuries and personal hurdles.

In the field, Peter Baker finished fourth after a late surge, and Michael Campbell posted a 65 on Sunday to climb into a tie for fifth with Stephen Gallacher and Andrew Marshall. Wales’ Jamie Donaldson, known for his Ryder Cup heroics, also finished strongly with a 66 on Sunday.

Owen reflected on the milestone after the round, noting the effort it took to recover from setbacks and secure the win for his family and future goals on the tour.

Expert analysis

Expert analysis: This victory underscores the importance of staying calm under pressure on the Legends Tour, especially on a course where a single late misstep can swing the outcome. The ability to finish with confidence on the last hole is what separates playoff contenders from champions here.

Summary

Greg Owen captured his first Mauritius Legends title with a closing birdie on the 18th, finishing 18-under for the week. The drama came from a late bogey run, countered by a birdie barrage that put him ahead of rivals Jeev Milkha Singh and Darren Fichardt. The result highlighted Owen’s resilience after an injury-plagued year and marked a milestone for Milkha Singh as a historic performer on the DP World Tour.

Key insight: A decisive final-hole birdie sealed a dramatic Mauritius Legends victory, illustrating the power of closing strong when the pressure is highest. BBC Sport