Grant Forrest has transformed his season with a dramatic final-hole birdie to win the Open de España and secure invitations to both the 2027 Masters and The Open at St Andrews.
The 33-year-old Scot closed with a one-under 70 at Real Club de Campo Villa de Madrid to finish at 14-under, one shot clear of Spain’s Eugenio Chacarra and France’s Victor Perez.
Forrest reached the 18th tied for the lead at 13-under, with a playoff looming.
Instead, he held his nerve, getting up and down from beside the green and holing the decisive birdie putt to claim his third DP World Tour title.
The victory also secured a first career appearance at Augusta National and a place in The Open when it returns to the Old Course at St Andrews next July.
“It’s fairytale stuff,” Forrest said.
“To be going to Augusta, I can’t get my head around it. You can have a great career in this game and still never get to go to Augusta.”
The victory looked far from certain during an eventful final round.
Forrest shared the overnight lead but dropped three shots across his opening 11 holes as Chacarra surged into contention despite playing with a fractured toe.
The Spaniard eventually posted a brilliant 66 to set the clubhouse target at 13-under.
Perez also reached 13-under with late birdies, while several others remained in contention during a crowded finish.
Forrest responded when it mattered, making birdies at the 13th and 14th before delivering the winning blow at the last.
“I’m in shock, honestly,” he said. “It has been such a tough year. To walk away with a win is just unbelievable.”
Hillier Leaves Madrid With New Wheels
New Zealand’s Daniel Hillier also produced one of the tournament’s most memorable moments.
Hillier made the first DP World Tour hole-in-one of his career during the opening round, holing an eight-iron from 187 yards at the par-three 17th.
The ace earned the Kiwi a new all-electric BMW iX5 valued at more than €140,000.
Hillier admitted he had not even realised a car was on offer before his tee shot found the bottom of the cup.
“I’ve locked it up pretty early, but absolutely stoked and very grateful,” he joked. “It’s going to be a long drive though [to New Zealand].”
Forrest ultimately left Madrid with the biggest prize of all.
One birdie on the final hole delivered a trophy, a trip to Augusta and a return to the Home of Golf in what became a career-changing afternoon for the Scot.
