Fleetwood wins Johnnie Walker in playoff for first European Tour victory

GLENEAGLES, Scotland – Tommy Fleetwood of England birdied the first playoff hole Sunday at the Johnnie Walker Championship to earn his first European Tour victory. 

Fleetwood also birdied the 18th to finish his round with a 70 and set up a three-way playoff with Scotland's Stephen Gallacher (67) and Argentina's Ricardo Gonzalez (70) after all three finished at 18-under 270 on the PGA Centenary Course, which will host the 2014 Ryder Cup.

Playing the par-5 18th again, Fleetwood narrowly missed an eagle putt from the fringe and then rolled in a three-footer for the win. Gallacher and Gonzalez both made par. 

Gallacher overcame a triple-bogey 7 on the 11th hole with a round that included five birdies and two eagles – including one on the 18th to make the playoff.

"It's just unbelievable as it's been a lifetime goal to win on the European Tour," Fleetwood said. "I'm sure there will be bigger and better goals in my career but this feels absolutely amazing right now." 

Fleetwood went into the final round of his 50th European Tour event sharing the lead on 16 under with Gonzalez, but slipped well off the pace to be 1 over for his round through 15 holes. 

However, he then eagled the 16th and birdied the last. 

Fleetwood was watched by his parents and ailing 14-year-old dog, Maisy. 

"She was diagnosed with cancer a couple of weeks ago," Fleetwood said. "So given her condition, this week is pretty special." 

Gallacher made a triple bogey at the 11th hole but then made up four shots in his closing five holes, including grabbing an eagle at the last. 

The 43-year-old Gonzalo was looking to end a four-year winless drought. 

Scotland's Scott Henry chipped in for eagle at the last in a score of 67 to finish tied fourth on 17 under with Austrian Bernd Wiesberger, who shot a 68.