Many dismiss Gleneagles week when compared to other events of the tour held in Scotland - the open Scotland, Dunhill Links Championship and of course the open when they perpetrated here. But the triumph of Thomas Bjorn after a five-man playoff shows this event is captivating in its own right.
Dane victory coming at the expense of George Coetzee, Bernd Wiesberger, Pablo Larrazabal and Mark Foster, was the result of the golf's very own Groundhog Day. Four times teed off on the 18th hole of sudden death - players four times were expelled back down the street to play again.
But the fifth time of asking and only South African Permanent Coetzee on his way, Bjorn held their nerves to win the first prize of £ 235,000.
"I am delighted." Played it the playoff of three last holes could not be more proud. "When I'm under the cosh I feel very good and quiet."
Bjorn had recently turned 40 and this victory sees him climb out of the 50 world's best. He joked: "If life begins at 40 and I have done a very good start!"
For the excitement generated by a play-off, sympathy is also no shortage for the losers, especially Mark Foster.
Holding a lead One Shot up the last he hit a loose unity that led to a bogie and sudden death golf. The pain was evident in the face of English who has not won a Tour event since 2005.
But for a quadruple bogie on the eighth day of opening, Stephen Gallacher would have won by three shots. Instead he finished 10 under - only one outside a playoff spot.
"You can't tell can"? I could bogied other holes. It is more 72, not a hole, "insisted the Scot."
Although solo was missing, the 37-year-old Bathgate player was very happy with his week. "I played well and putting well," he added. "It's just good to be back in contention." "I hope I can keep it".
Byrne impressed with a final round 71 to finish three under parA player who are just getting started is James Byrne. The amateur of Banchory played an excellent debut in a pro event by carding 71 to finish on three under par.
"I am very happy," said the 22 years of age. "The goal was simply to make the cut."
Byrne, earlier this month was elected to the GB & I Cup Walker, now go and work on his game. "They (professionals) are so constant and barely missed the fairways," he said. "I thought that playing steady golf and I'm around 10 shots out of the head".
If Byrne represents the future, then, fans spinning principles of the centenary course who thought that they were witnessing the past.
Cuarenta-Ocho - year-old Colin Montgomerie cut a figure lone throw himself at 7.20 am. First without a partner due to injury Monty was all 74 to finish his 'home' event in six over par.
An unhappy Montgomerie, who is President of this event, not was seen then muddy outside day 18.
Until the week which saw play delayed by fog and disturbed by wasps he has produced a worthy winner Thomas Bjorn.
It is seen as a strong contender for the captain of the Ryder Cup team when the event is staged on the PGA centenary course in 2014.
His experience of the 18th can be very valuable!
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