Former teacher Tyler Koivisto wins Challenge Tour’s Northern Ireland Open

Former teacher Tyler Koivisto pulled off a remarkable victory in the Northern Ireland Open, the first event he has played which awards world ranking points.
By Sports Desk
Published 6th Sep 2020, 19:30 BST
Updated 6th Sep 2020, 19:34 BST
Tyler Koivisto of the United States pictured alongside NI First Minister Arlene Foster and with the trophy after winning the Northern Ireland Open supported by The R&A at Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)Tyler Koivisto of the United States pictured alongside NI First Minister Arlene Foster and with the trophy after winning the Northern Ireland Open supported by The R&A at Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Tyler Koivisto of the United States pictured alongside NI First Minister Arlene Foster and with the trophy after winning the Northern Ireland Open supported by The R&A at Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

The 27-year-old American carded a closing 67 to finish 13 under par and win the Challenge Tour event by two shots from Norway’s Kristian Krogh Johannessen at Galgorm Castle.

Koivisto spent three years as a schoolteacher after university before taking up golf full-time two years ago and now has full playing privileges on Europe’s second-tier circuit.

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“It’s very special,” said Koivisto, who began the week without a world ranking but will be around 500th when they are updated on Monday.

“Golfing wise, probably the best week of my life. For my wife, our wedding, obviously, was the best week of my life.

“They called me up last week and asked me if I could fly to Northern Ireland and I said yes, I’m going to take any opportunity I can get.

“I was mostly playing mini tour stuff in the States, some Monday qualifiers and I taught for three years.

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“I think my mentality was good this week. I was really relaxed, not really caring and in terms of expectations I was just hitting golf shots and having fun. I had a blast this week on the course. I didn’t really worry too much about the results.”

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Related topics:AmericanNorwayEuropeNorthern Ireland

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