PARIS, May 5 (UPI) -- It took 509 starts and the shot of his life, but England's Malcolm Mackenzie finally earned his first
European PGA Tour title.
Winless since his tour debut in 1981, Mackenzie birdied the 18th hole at Le Golf National on Sunday to edge young South African Trevor Immelman at the Novotel Perrier Open.
Mackenzie had a three-shot lead with four holes to play before bogeying the 15th, 16th and 17th. But he found the island green with his 200-yard approach at the 18th and two-putted from 15 feet for victory.
Mackenzie carded an even-par 72 to finish the event at 14-under 274, ending the longest dry spell without a victory in European Tour history. Two years ago, Roger Chapman ended a run of 472 straight starts without a win in Brazil.
"This changes my life," Mackenzie said.
The 20-year-old Immelman, who birdied the 17th hole to tie for the lead, also shot a 72.
Anders Hansen of Denmark, Ian Woosnam of Wales and England's Kenneth Ferrie tied for third at 276, a stroke better than a trio of players that included defending champion Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain.
