EPPING golfer Simon Khan suffered the disappointment of failing to qualify for the second major tournament of the year, the US Open, this week. But he was able to console himself in the knowledge that he is the new PGA champion, having produced an historic fightback to win the European Tour’s flagship event at Wentworth on Sunday.

World number 471 Khan was tied for 13th at the beginning of the final day, but he reeled off a succession of birdies, including a stunning 20-foot putt on the last hole, for a round of 66 and a one shot victory.

He looked to have followed that triumph with a place among the top 11 players at the US Open qualifying event at Walton Heath just a day later. However, he finished the 36-hole event in a six-way tie for the remaining five places up for grabs at Pebble Beach in California next month.

In the resulting play-off, the 37-year-old Epping resident was the only player not to birdie the short par four first hole, leaving the other five golfers to book their place on the tee on June 17.

“Driving home on Monday night I was disappointed (not to have qualified),” admitted Khan. “But then I thought to myself, ‘I’m PGA champion’. I’ve got a great season to look forward to.

“Golf is like that. I’ve been around the game long enough to know that.”

Khan only received a late invitation to compete in the PGA Championship last Monday, but he made the most of his opportunity, producing the greatest final day comeback in the tournament’s history after making up a deficit of seven shots on Sunday to pip Luke Donald and Fredrik Andersson Hed to the title by one shot.

Khan’s only previous triumph arrived six years ago at the Celtic Manor Wales Open. And this latest victory will earn him a five-year exemption on the European Tour and three years guaranteed entry at the British Open.

“Celtic Manor was a major breakthrough and it was very special to win that on a play-off against Paul Casey. But on Sunday I was just delighted with how I played,” Khan added.“I thought I was a bit too far back but I realised the course was playing tough.

“A round of 65 was the number I had in mind but I expected one of the players in front of me to shoot under par. It didn’t happen and I was there to take advantage of it.

“It’s the biggest win of my career, and just behind The Open. It’s the one I’ve thought about for a long time.”

Khan failed to retain his Tour card last year and was forced to come through qualifying school to earn his place back on the circuit, but there will be no such worries for some time to come.

The 750,000 euro prize also sees Khan soar up to number seven in the Race to Dubai standings and means he will earn a place in the field for the season-ending Dubai World Championship.