Caldwell storms to first European Tour title in Gothenburg

The Northern Irishman was three shots off the lead heading into Sunday, but responded in style to set a target of 17 under par.

After a blemish-free first 14 holes, including six birdies and an eagle, Caldwell bogeyed the 15th and 17th before responding with a gain on the par-four final hole.

Adrian Otaegui had a chance to snatch victory, but came unstuck on the 18th green for his only bogey of a final-round 67, leaving him a stroke behind.

Caldwell was free to celebrate a first title in only his 48th event on the European Tour, to which he returned via the qualifying school in 2019 after a decade away.

From Henrik & Annika to Jonathan #ScandinavianMixed pic.twitter.com/pBqjbAVJKd

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) June 13, 2021

"It's been a dream of mine for an awful long time," said the 37-year-old. "A lot of hard work goes into it. It hasn't quite sunk in yet, but hopefully [there is] more to come.

"In 2009, I played my first year, lost my card, played mini tours and Challenge Tour over the years, worked as well in a local golf store. It's been a long road but finally, I'm here.

"The golf club at home will probably be going bonkers so just put a tab on and crack on boys and enjoy. My parents have been with me the whole way so I look forward to talking to them tonight."

At an event where 78 men and 78 women competed at the same course, Alice Hewson carded a final round of 69 to finish third, two shots ahead of Scott Hend and James Morrison.