RICHIE Ramsay dedicated his first DP World Tour title in seven years to his daughter after clinching the 2022 Cazoo Classic by one shot.

Overnight leader Julien Guerrier had been the man to catch for most of the day at Hillside Golf Club, Southport, but birdies at the 14th, 15th and 17th saw Ramsay head to the last with a one-shot lead.

The 39-year-old missed the fairway off the 18th tee but recovered to give himself an eight-foot par putt, which he duly holed to sign for a closing 69, finishing the tournament on 14-under-par.

The triumph gave Ramsay, who is attached to The Renaissance Club, at Dirleton, a return to the winner’s circle for the first time since his Trophée Hassan II victory in March 2015.

Paul Waring finished alone in second on 13-under thanks to his Sunday 70, with Guerrier in a tie for third spot, alongside a group of golfers, including East Lothian’s Grant Forrest.

READ MORE: East Lothian's Grant Forrest wins maiden European Tour title at Hero Open at St Andrews

Edinburgh-based Ramsay said: “The biggest thing for me was I made a promise to my daughter and I don’t break promises to her.

“I said I would get her a trophy and this one’s for her.

“It just feels unbelievable. The belief.

“I’ve had some bad times over the last couple of years but I kept believing, I knew my game was good.

“I know about what happened at The Belfry. But it’s links golf and I feel like I’ve always got an advantage when I play links golf.

“There’s nothing better than holing a putt under the gun – when it matters, when the tournament is on the line.

READ MORE: Grant Forrest delighted after Hero Open glory

“For me, winning is everything, it’s what matters in the sport.

“I felt the nerves coming down the stretch, played great, and just to play well under the gun.

“Obviously, I got a bit emotional there at the end, but I haven’t won since my daughter was born and that’s six years.

“That one’s for Olivia. Hopefully she’s watching. [My wife] Angela’s been brilliant.

“She’s never given up on me, sent me a message this morning telling me that she was really proud of me in whatever I accomplish.”

Former Dunbar Grammar School pupil David Drysdale finished in a three-way tie for 26th spot.

He carded rounds of 71, 72, 70 and 69 to finish on six-under-par.

Attention now turns to the Hero Open at Fairmont St Andrews, where Forrest won his maiden title last year. The competition teed off yesterday (Thursday).