The title seemed destined to land in the arms of runner-up Peter Uihlein, who matched the European Tour’s lowest score in history (60) in the second round. He also held the outright lead by two strokes over six golfers (including Howell) after 54 holes. The Englishman closed with a 5-under-par 31-36=67 against Uihlein’s 3-under 34-35=69 at St. Andrews. (Carnoustie and Kingsbarns co-hosted during the first three rounds.) After concluding regulation at 23-under 265, the duo matched pars at the par-4 first hole before turning around and playing the par-4 18th. Both hit the green on approach; Howell was nearer the hole. After a great lag (and tap-in par) by the American, Howell calmly drilled his birdie try. It’s his fifth career victory on the European Tour and first since he won twice in 2006 when he had risen to ninth in the Official World Golf Ranking, but by early October of 2010, he was 569th. Howell should move inside the top 95 when the next update is released.