Staff WriterThis week’s Betfred British Masters saw Alex Noren finally break a seven-year drought and reminded everyone why he’s one of golf’s fiercest grinders.
The Swede held off Nicolai Højgaard and a fearless Kazuma Kobori to claim his 11th DP World Tour title by a single shot at the Belfry, in a finale that had more plot twists than a Scandinavian crime drama.
Noren, who first tasted glory at this event back in 2016, began the final round one back but wasted no time muscling his way into contention.
By the turn, he was locked in a dogfight with Højgaard, the young Dane who looked every bit the heir to Europe’s Ryder Cup future. Then, out of nowhere, Kobori — a Kiwi with nerves of steel — went on a late rampage with an eagle and four birdies in his last six holes, setting the clubhouse mark at 15 under.
For a moment, it looked like the rookie might just steal the show. But Noren, grizzled by years of near-misses, answered with a blistering run of birdies at 15, 16, and 17, striding to the 18th tee with a two-shot cushion. That’s when golf, being the sadistic game it is, nearly ripped it from him. A wayward drive on the last forced him to stumble home with a bogey, but 16 under was just enough to seal the deal — his first victory since the 2018 Open de France.
“I was extremely happy. It was an unbelievable week for me. I haven’t played like this for a long time,” Noren said, grinning like a man who’d just rediscovered his swing in the attic. “Super happy to do it here in Britain. I seem to love British people and British courses. So it’s wonderful here.”
Behind him, Kobori and Højgaard shared second place at 15 under, while Japan’s Keita Nakajima and England’s Andy Sullivan rounded out the top five.
Ryder Cup Subplot: Højgaard’s Golden Ticket
As if the British Masters wasn’t dramatic enough, Rasmus Højgaard — Nicolai’s identical twin — provided the week’s subplot by clinching the final automatic spot on Luke Donald’s European Ryder Cup side.
A tie for 13th at eight under did the trick, booking his ticket alongside his brother and setting up what could be the most telepathic pairing in Ryder Cup history.
“I don’t know what to feel right now. I’ve been so stressed out on the course today,” Rasmus admitted. “I knew every bogey out there was very costly… It’s probably the biggest goal we have together (to play with his brother in the Ryder Cup).”
Charity Wins Too
It wasn’t just birdies and bogeys making headlines. A whopping £168,000 was raised for Guide Dogs during the week. Betfred chipped in £500 for every drive that found the green at the iconic 10th, plus every eagle across the course.
The biggest single boost came courtesy of Ben Schmidt’s hole-in-one at the 14th on day one, worth a cool £50,000 to the cause.
A Win Worth the Wait
Noren’s victory at the British Masters isn’t just another line on his résumé. It’s proof that persistence, patience, and perhaps a fondness for miserable British weather still count for something in professional golf.
At 42, the Swede looks revitalised, his Ryder Cup pedigree still intact, and his confidence finally restored.
And if his Sunday finish taught us anything, it’s this: Alex Noren may take the scenic route, but he knows how to get the job done — even when the last fairway tries to eat him alive.
