ROSS FISHER just missed out on a record-breaking 59 as fellow Englishman Tyrrell Hatton won the Dunhill Links Championship.
Fisher fired an historic 61 at St Andrews — the lowest competitive score ever recorded at the home of golf in its 144-year history.
But he was forced to settle for runner-up behind Hatton for the second year running.
Fisher, 36, could take consolation from making a fight of a tournament that could have become a victory procession for Hatton.
His only blemish came when he missed a three-footer on the 18th that would have left him with a 60.
Hatton’s sheer brilliance kept Fisher at bay.
The defending champion added a six-under 66 to his previous rounds of 68, 65 and 65 to set a tournament record of 24 under.
He was bogey-free for the final 55 holes to become the first player to retain the title. He said: “What a round by Fish — he pushed me all the way and I was happy to get over the line.
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“I didn’t see a leaderboard until the 16th and when I saw Ross was 21 under it made the tee shot on the 17th, the Road Hole, harder.
“It’s one of the toughest holes we play. So it was nice to make par there.
“I had a good cushion playing 18.
“I can’t wait to get back here next year and try for the hat-trick.”
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Fisher had no regrets after setting off eight back.
He said: “Unfortunately Tyrrell was too far ahead.
“I managed to give him a little bit to think about coming down the stretch. All credit to him.”
The final round was a birdie bonanza, with 30 rounds of 68 or less.
That led to nine-time Major winner Gary Player tweeting: “It’s quite sad to see the Old Course of St Andrews brought to her knees by today’s ball and equipment.”
One player who missed out was Rory McIlroy.
He fired a disappointing level-par 72 to finish in a tie for 63rd place on four under.
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