Would you believe it?

My 26-1 shot Alexander Levy had only to sink a three foot tiddler to win the Porsche European Open and missed it. The latest kid on the English block Jordan Smith won his first trophy. It was breathtaking stuff. Levy carded a 69 to Smith’s 71 and it was sufficient to force a play off. On the first play off hole Levy and Smith both hit wayward drives. Levy played out and short but pitched well. Smith hit his further but had a very tricky lie off the green. He managed to get up and down leaving Levy a missable putt to halve the hole which he sunk. On the second play off hole Levy had a shorter putt to win but missed it. Smith has yet another three footer to win the next hole and tourney which he sunk.

Levy now heads a group of talented young French golfers: Victo Dubuisson, Romain Wattel and Thomas Langesque. He won this event last year.

He is the quickest player on the European tour and although not elegant in his swing he has a bravura style making him a popular golfer to watch.

Added to this he plays his golf with a smile on his face, none of the grimness of Tiger Woods on his final round. However his speedy style can lead to some rash shots, hence the missed putt.

High hopes were expected of Jordan Smith. He too is part of a pool of young English talent with the likes of Matt Fitzpatrick. It’s good these are coming along as well more seasoned pros like Chris Wood and Andy Sullivan as Danny Willett’s game has gone into decline after the Ryder Cup. Ian Poulter who finished third in the Canada Open won also in a play off by Jonathan Vegas has been having an Indian summer but Luke Donald and Lee Westwood have surely their best days behind them.

I was initially cursing my luck after Levy failed to sink that putt. Then I thought he must be feeling worse and supposing I was a professional gambler and really needed the money. Suppose I had put a £100 each way on Levy and was hoping for a really big win. As it is I watched compelling golf with no anxiety or remorse.