British Masters: Alex Noren beats Nicolai Hojgaard to title at The Belfry as Matt Fitzpatrick's bid falters
Alex Noren, who also won the British Masters in 2016, shot a five-under 67 to finish 16 under, one clear of Nicolai Hojgaard and Kazuma Kobori in a share of second; Matt Fitzpatrick, who held overnight lead on 12 under carded a two-over 74 to end up six shots off the pace
Sunday 24 August 2025 19:06, UK
Alex Noren won the Betfred British Masters for a second time, beating Nicolai Hojgaard to the title on the same day his twin brother Rasmus secured Europe's final automatic qualification spot for the Ryder Cup.
Noren, who last won the British Masters in 2016, shot a five-under 67 in his final round to finish 16 under, one clear of Nicolai Hojgaard and Kazuma Kobori in a share of second.
Hojgaard had been out in front on his own until a first bogey blemish of the day at 16 came at a costly moment, amid Kobori going six under over his closing six holes and Noren birdieing each of 15, 16 and 17.
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The Swede's birdie streak secured himself a two-stroke advantage going down the last and, though he'd sign off with a bogey finish, it was enough to see him avoid a play-off and end a seven-year wait for his 11th DP World Tour title.
"It means a lot," Noren said after his victory. "It was a great, great week and I don't think I've played like this for a very long time.
"To get it done at the end - even with a hiccup at the last - I'm extremely proud of myself."
Quizzed on his own Ryder Cup prospects, Noren - part of the victorious 2018 European team - added: "I think I still dismiss you [his chances].
"It would be great but I'm more just happy to get this win - the first time in seven years."
Japan's Keita Nakajima finished three behind Noren in fourth place, with Andy Sullivan the best-placed of the British challengers in fifth at 12 under.
Matt Fitzpatrick, who had held the overnight lead at The Belfry on 12 under - one clear of Noren - carded a disappointing two-over 74 to end up six shots off the pace. Marco Penge, who was level par for the day, also finished 10 under.
The English pair are just two of a number of high-profile names left sweating on a captain's pick for the Ryder Cup, with Rasmus Hojgaard clinching the final automatic berth with a tied-13th finish on eight under - clear of the tied-29th mark he needed.
The year-long qualification campaign to feature in Luke Donald's side ended at The Belfry, with Hojgaard the only player in the field who could overtake Shane Lowry and clinch the last of six automatic spots.
"I don't know what to feel right now," Hojgaard said after his final round. "I've been so stressed out on the course today and I was telling my caddie out there that I don't know how I'm going to be able to do this. I'm over the moon right now.
"I knew every bogey out there was very costly. I was well aware of the situation and to be honest, there's a couple of times out there where I really had to calm myself down and not let it spin out of control. I felt like every hole was just a tough battle and so happy to be here now."
Donald will name his six captain's picks at Sky Studios on Monday September 1 at 2pm, live on Sky Sports, ahead of the biennial contest taking place at Bethpage Black in New York from September 26-28.
What's next?
The DP World Tour heads to Switzerland for the Omega European Masters, live on Thursday from 12.30pm on Sky Sports Golf, where players will have one final chance to try and impress Ryder Cup captain Donald before he names his captain's picks.
Donald will reveal the six players completing his European line-up on Monday September 1, live from 2pm that day on Sky Sports Golf. Stream the DP World Tour and more with no contract.
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