Adrian Meronk has ended a 1,078-day wait for another DP World Tour title, producing a composed final-round charge to win the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews.
The Polish golfer began Sunday two shots behind overnight leader Casey Jarvis but closed with a four-under 68 on the Old Course to finish at 20-under 268, two shots clear of Jarvis and Niklas Nørgaard.
It was Meronk’s fifth DP World Tour victory and secured his full playing rights for the 2027 season.
“I never usually cry, but this one feels very special,” Meronk said.
“It’s been quite a tough year for me, but to win here 10 years after turning pro, it’s a dream come true.”
Meronk made an immediate move with birdies at his opening two holes before adding another at the fourth.
After dropping a shot at the seventh, he responded with a birdie at the ninth before taking control of the tournament on the back nine.
Birdies at the 12th and 14th gave Meronk breathing room, although a bogey at the demanding Road Hole 17th ensured the contest remained alive.
Jarvis needed an eagle at the 18th to force a playoff but could not convert from around the Valley of Sin, confirming Meronk as champion.
The South African signed for a level-par 72 to share second with Nørgaard, who closed with a 68.
Meronk admitted the walk across the Swilcan Bridge provided a memorable moment as victory drew closer.
“I was thinking about Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus walking over the bridge, and I was asking for good energy from them,” he said.
“It was a great feeling. I really enjoyed that.”
The victory also completed a memorable double for Meronk, who partnered Keane frontman Tom Chaplin to win the tournament’s team competition by one shot.
Michael Stewart and Tommy Fleetwood shared fourth at 17-under, with Fleetwood firing the low round of the day, an eight-under 64.
Brooks Koepka and defending champion Robert MacIntyre finished another shot back in a tie for sixth at 16-under.
For Meronk, however, the week belonged to a long-awaited return to the winner’s circle — fittingly at the Home of Golf, a decade after beginning his professional career.
