Matt Fitzpatrick admitted he was “a million miles” ahead of schedule after claiming his second European Tour title in the Nordea Masters to boost his chances of a Ryder Cup debut in September.

The 21-year-old from Sheffield carded a closing 71 at Bro Hof Slott Golf Club to finish three shots ahead of Denmark’s Lasse Jensen, who secured his place in the Open Championship with the best finish of his career.

And the first prize of €250,000 saw Fitzpatrick move within €500,000 of the total which secured Jamie Donaldson the final automatic Ryder Cup qualifying place for Gleneagles in 2014.

“It’s something I’m trying to play down a little bit,” said Fitzpatrick, who finished seventh in the Masters at Augusta in April. “I’m really trying to play each week as it comes and there’s still a long way to go before then, there are still three majors and anyone can win them.

“Hopefully, I will keep playing well and see where we end up come September.”

Asked if he had achieved more than expected following his maiden win at the British Masters last year, Fitzpatrick added: “Completely, a million miles ahead of schedule.

“It’s been a tough few weeks to be fair. After the Masters I had three missed cuts in a row and didn’t play as well as I’d like last week (in the BMW PGA Championship) and all of a sudden you turn up this week and pick up a win.

“I felt like today was the round where I’d been under the most pressure but hitting fairways and greens was key. I think I missed two all day and had a three-putt so I’m absolutely delighted with that and played fantastic. I think this is the best I’ve played.”

Fitzpatrick took a five-shot lead into the final round and extended his advantage with a birdie on the second, only for former Ryder Cup player Nicolas Colsaerts to close the gap with a birdie on the sixth and eagle on the ninth.

Colsaerts also birdied the 10th from 30 feet and when Fitzpatrick three-putted the same hole from long range his lead was down to two, but Colsaerts then bogeyed the parfive 12th before Fitzpatrick birdied to restore a four-shot lead he was never in danger of relinquishing.