Shubhankar Sharma turned things around in the final round of the Scottish Open this past Sunday, finishing tied for 26th—his highest ranking on the European Tour for 2020.
Shubhankar Sharma put on a solid show in the final round of the Scottish Open golf championship on Sunday to end the event tied-26th and record his best finish on the European Tour in 2020.
Playing at the Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland, the Indian athlete posted a cumulative score of four-under 280 (70-67-76-67), a significant improvement over his tied-44th place finish at the Portugal Masters a month prior.
Weather issues had initially seen the 24-year-old slide to a tie for 47th, but he made a commendable recovery to jump 19 places in the final round. On the winner's side, Aaron Rai of England secured his second European Tour victory; he emerged triumphant in a playoff against Tommy Fleetwood after both golfers ended the standard play tied at 11-under 273.
Whereas Englishman Aaron Rai clinched his second European Tour title successfully. Earlier he faced and won against fellow compatriot Tommy Fleetwood in the playoff. At the end of the regulation rounds both the golfers finished at the top after carding an 11-under 273.
Sharma's final day was impressive, featuring four birdies, specifically pairs of consecutive birdies on the 12th-13th and 17th-18th holes. Even though a bogey on the turn briefly hindered his momentum, a birdie on the 7th helped him finish the round with a strong four-under 67.
After climbing to a tie for 13th to make the cut, Sharma struggled during the third round due to torrential rain, which he later described as the toughest playing conditions of his career. He had remained on even-par through the 12th hole with three birdies and three bogeys, but the weather eventually took its toll. This led to a difficult stretch where he suffered consecutive bogeys from the 13th through the 16th, losing five shots in just four holes.
Reflecting on the experience, Sharma mentioned that the rain was so heavy it became difficult to even grip his clubs. He noted that he and his gear were completely drenched, requiring a full change of clothes once he returned to the hotel.
Aside from that weather-impacted slump, Shubhankar remained consistent throughout the event. His opening round of one-under 70 was his best start since February, when he shot a two-under 68 at the Saudi International. He also showed flashes of brilliance in the second round, recording an eagle and four consecutive birdies. Unfortunately, his compatriot Gaganjeet Bhullar was unable to make the cut for the weekend.