Mikko Ilonen

Ilonen was born in Lahti, Finland. He won the 2000 Amateur Championship and turned pro in 2001. Secured his first victory in six years when he won the 2013 Nordea Masters in Sweden by three shots. Second and third rounds of 63 and 65 propelled him into the final round at Bro Hof Slott G.C., where he closed out the win with a 69. Became the first Finn to win the Amateur Championship at Royal Liverpool in 2000, then in 2007, he was the first player from his country to win on the European Tour International Schedule with a victory in Indonesia. Achieved further success that year when he won the Scandinavian Masters to become one of seven multiple winners in 2007. The previous year, he had used the experience of that historic amateur success to full effect when he finished 16th at the same venue at the Open Championship. A foot injury that required surgery kept Ilonen out of action for the second half of 2011. He played the 2012 campaign on a medical exemption, and finished 91st in The Race to Dubai. Turned professional in 2001, immediately showing a liking for major championship venues by finishing T-9th behind David Duval in the Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
2012 Notes: Played in 23 events and made 12 cuts. Had two top 10s. Best finish was T-3rd at the Nordea Masters. Was 91st in The Race to Dubai with ?259,176.
2013 Notes: Played in 25 events and made 18 cuts. His four top 10s included a victory at the Nordea Masters. Was 23rd in The Race to Dubai with ?1,065,066.
2014 Notes: Played in 26 European Tour events and made the cut in 21 of them. Won the Irish Open and the Volvo World Match Play. Was runner-up at the Qatar Masters. He posted seven top-10 finishes and placed 18th in The Race to Dubai standings.
In 2015 has struggled, best finish is T-18th in the Volvo China Open.