It was a whirlwind final hour for Rumford, who had led for much of the day after firing six birdies on the front nine, which followed five straight birdies at the end of his third round that put him two off the pace and in Sunday’s penultimate group.
Rumford, who followed a bogey on 13 with a birdie on 14, held a two-shot lead heading to the par-four 17th, but a wayward tee-shot led to a penalty drop and a double-bogey that left him 11-under with playing partner Fraser and Whiteford.
Another tee-shot into the trees on 18 meant he needed to sink an eight-foot putt at 18 just to save par, before the Australian benefited from Cowen’s wise words to regroup for a fourth European Tour win and first since the 2007 Omega European Masters.
"It's an honour to win the Ballantine's Championship, but it was an absolute rollercoaster ride of emotions out there this afternoon," said Rumford, the father of young twins.
"The last five holes from the third round and the first nine holes today put me into position, but one shot can really turn events, and obviously 17 proved that. Peter [Whiteford] had the opportunity to close out the tournament, so obviously hard luck for him, but that opened up the door once again.
"I battled with my driver constantly, so I had a quick word with Pete, hit five or six balls off the first tee and it obviously did the trick."
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