Jimenez Clinches Hassan II Trophy Gainer Claims Lalla Meryem Cup In Play-Off

Rabat, Morocco: Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez secured thrilling victory at the Hassan II golf Trophy, firing a four-under 69 in the final round, including an eagle on the 17th hole, to capture a two-stroke win at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam's Red Course.

Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez celebrates after winning the Hassan II Golf Trophy.

With the triumph yesterday, Jimenez claimed his 14th title on the PGA Tour Champions and pocketed the winner's purse of $400,000.

In a dramatic conclusion to the Lalla Meryem Cup, England's Cara Gainer triumphed in a thrilling play-off to claim her first Ladies European Tour (LET) title.

The final day in Rabat showcased spectacular golf action from both events, with a large crowd gathering at the iconic venue to witness the exciting final rounds.

Jimenez, who shared the lead with Steven Alker heading into the final day of the $2.5 million event, produced a rock-solid round to earn win with an 11-under total of 208 on the par-73 course.

The 61-year-old, who has long been a fan favourite, expressed his joy after the victory.

“It's an amazing feeling. It was a little tense, but it feels great in the end,” Jimenez said.

“It's a wonderful day, some shots were missed, but I also hit some great shots. I received a lot of support here in Morocco, especially from Spanish fans and I felt really nice.”

Reflecting on his eagle on the 17th hole, Jimenez said,“I hit a beautiful driver to within a foot of the hole. I had been struggling with my driver earlier, catching a little bunker from the tee today. But then, on 17, I decided to just play my normal, smooth shot and it was perfect. It was the shot of the day, the shot of the week.”

Despite firing rounds of 69 and 70, New Zealand's Alker slipped in the final round, carding a 71 to finish in second place.

South Africa's Ernie Els secured third with a seven-under total of 212 after posting a 69 in the final round.

South Korea's KJ Choi finished fourth, a shot behind, while Brazil's Adilson da Silva rounded out the top five with a four-under total of 215.

Denmark's Thomas Bjorn, Ireland's Padraig Harrington and American Stewart Cink shared sixth place with totals of three-under.

Defending champion Ricardo Gonzalez of Argentina finished tied for 14th with a one-under 218.

Gainer holds nerves for first LET crown

The Lalla Meryem Cup also ended in sensational fashion at the Blue Course, with Gainer emerging victorious in a nail-biting play-off against India's Diksha Dagar.

Both players finished the regulation rounds at nine-under par but it was Gainer who held her nerve in the play-off, securing the win with a birdie while Dagar made a bogey.

Prior to her victory in Morocco, Gainer's best finish on the LET was a second-place result at the 2022 Belgian Ladies Open.

“It's amazing to win my first title in a play-off. It's a new season, and I'm so excited to start it off with a win,” Gainer said.

Overnight leader Shannon Tan lost her advantage after struggling on the front nine and failing to make any birdies.

She finished third, just one shot behind Gainer and Dagar.

Spain's Nuria Iturrioz briefly surged to the top of the leaderboard with four consecutive birdies at the turn, but four bogeys on the back nine derailed her charge.

She ended the tournament tied for fourth alongside Ireland's Lauren Walsh.

Defending champion Bronte Law finished in a crowded tie for eighth place with a five-under total of 214.

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