Share

Frittelli hails Spieth for Austria win

accreditation
CAREFUL:  Dylan Frittelli studies the putting surface of the 18th green during the final round of the Lyoness Open at Diamond Country Club. (Warren Little, Getty Images)
CAREFUL: Dylan Frittelli studies the putting surface of the 18th green during the final round of the Lyoness Open at Diamond Country Club. (Warren Little, Getty Images)

Johannesburg - South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli has lauded the influence of his former playing partner and former world number one, American Jordan Spieth, for helping him win his maiden European Tour title – the Lyoness Open.

Frittelli (27) carded six birdies and one bogey to finish 12 under par and win by one shot at the Diamond Country Club in Atzenbrugg, Austria, last Sunday.

His victory made him the country’s first golfer to lift the trophy of the contest, which is also popularly known as the Austrian Open.

Dylan, who is from Woodmead, north of Johannesburg, but currently lives in Texas in the US, where he used to play the game with the two-time major winner Spieth, paid tribute to the American for his latest feat.

“Spieth is very close to me since he was my playing partner while we were at college in Texas,” said Frittelli.

“I met him before the Open and he gave me tips on how to approach the tough Diamond course.”

Chance of qualifying

The golfer, who went to the US in 2008 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in geography, said he was glad his golf career took off well.

“I studied for the same course with Spieth and he dropped out from college to focus more on playing golf, while I continued studying there until I finished my four-year course and obtained a degree,” said Frittelli.

He said he was pleased he was doing well on the greens, adding he was grateful to Spieth for his guidance.

Frittelli, who is at 17th in the Race to Dubai, said he was pleased with his victory as it boosted his chance of qualifying for the British Open at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport in Merseyside, England, which runs from July 20 to 23.

“With the current great showing on the greens, I hope to participate in the Open and win my first major. My ... performance should move me up to the Race to Dubai.”

Frittelli is hoping to come back home in October.

Maiden European Tour win

“I will be there to prepare to compete at the Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City. At the moment, I’m enjoying sunny Europe,” he said.

Frittelli finished second to Alex Levy at the China Open in Beijing in April.

He will be competing in the BMW International Open in Munich, Germany, which starts on Thursday.

“I’m fired up,” he said.

Frittelli is the third local golfer this season to register a maiden European Tour win. Brandon Stone won the Alfred Dunhill at Leopard Creek in Malelane in December, while Dean Burmester took the Tshwane Open title at Pretoria Country Club in March.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE