Des Smyth won his fourth European Senior tour title thanks to a closing 65 and a tip from Christy O’Connor Jnr. Pic: Getty Images.Des Smyth was inspired by a tip from Christy O’Connor Jnr as he captured his fourth European Senior Tour title in thrilling fashion with a sublime round of 65 at the Van Lanschot Senior Open.

After finishing two strokes ahead of Australian Peter Fowler and American Tim Thelen thanks chiefly to a brace of eagles in a regal display at Royal Haagsche Golf and Country Club, Smyth paid a warm tribute to O’Connor, who noticed that his friend’s alignment was out of kilter.