2013 European Tour: Marcel Siem Wins in Morocco

Germany’s Marcel Siem stumbled out of the gate on Sunday afternoon at The Troph’ee Hassan II in Agadir, Morocco, but went to the 18th hole with a four shot lead to earn a wire to wire win at the Golf du Palais Royal, and a possible trip to Augusta. The 32-year-old German made bogey at the second, and 18th hole, but would hang on for the win. He would have to hold off a gallant charge by Finland’s Mikko Ilonen, but would finish with a three stroke victory over both Ilonen, and David Horsey, from Scotland.

A bogey at ten, and double at the par three 12th would undo a front nine where Ilonen made four birdies before making the turn at 32. He put up birdies at 17 and 18, but it would be too little too late. Both Horsey, and Ilonen would finish at -14 under par, three strokes back. A frustrated Pablo Larrazabal couldn’t make anything happen down the stretch, and finished five strokes back at -12 under par.

Siem needed to get in the top 50 in World rankings, and would have to wait until Henrik Stenson, Russel Henley, and Charles Howell III would fair at the Shell Houston Open before he could book a flight to Augusta.

"“That will be unbelievable,” Siem said when asked what it would mean to grab a ticket to Georgia.“It’s been my dream since I was a kid so if that comes true it will be unbelievable. It would be wonderful to play the Masters."

Marcel Siem has three wins on the European Tour, and has turned in respectful play this season with very average results. He was ousted in the first round of the Accenture Match Play Championships, and finished tied 39th at Doral. He finished in the thirties, and forties earlier on the Sunshine Tour. He was ranked 49th on OWGR, and with the win in Morocco, jumps to 15th in Race To Dubai points.

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