Danish Rookie Rasmus Højgaard, became the third youngest winner in European Tour history, with a dramatic play-off victory at the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open.

18-year-old Højgaard birdied the 72nd hole to get to 19 under par, alongside Renato Paratore and Antoine Rozner, as the event went to a play-off.

On the 1st play-off hole, Højgaard and Rozner both birdied the par-5 last hole, as Paratore made par.

Both Højgaard and Rozner birdied again on the 2nd play-off hole, before Rasmus won the title with an eagle, having gone back to play the 18th for the 3rd time.

“It’s amazing. To be on the European Tour so early is a dream come true and to be a winner now, it’s incredible”, Rasmus said. “I can’t put it into words. I’m looking forward to the next challenge”.

“I had nothing to lose in this position (the play-off), it was just a driver all day. I hit three good approach shots into 18 and got it done on the 3rd hole”.

Højgaard started the day a shot off the lead, but put a beautiful approach to 7 feet at the 1st for birdie, before his 2nd at the par 5 2nd hole was even better, setting up a 12 foot putt for eagle and a 2 shot lead.

He took advantage of the driveable par 4 5th and par 5 7th, before adding further gains at the 10th and 11th and finishing with birdie on his final hole. 

Rasmus also made history, as due to being born in 2001, he became the first winner on the PGA or European Tours born in the 2000s and he also became the fastest first-time winner on the European Tour from Denmark. 

Well done, Rasmus. We are so pleased for you and know that this is the start of a very special journey.

Image courtesy of Getty Images