Christiaan Bezuidenhout posted a final-round 71 at Real Club Valderrama to claim a six-shot victory at the Andalucia Masters hosted by the Sergio Garcia Foundation.
The South African finished his final day in Spain with five birdies offset by five bogeys en route to a 10 under par total.
It was the first career European Tour victory for Bezuidenhout.
“I’m proud of myself hanging in there today,” said Bezuidenhout. “I had a tough stretch in the middle of my round from five to seven there.
“I made a great save on eight which just kept the momentum on my side and I bounced back with three birdies in a row. That just settled me down nicely, I just had to keep on hitting greens and the rest will take care of itself.
“I was nervous. It’s a tough golf course, anything can happen, especially those last three holes playing into the wind. I’m really pleased with the way I played and to finish it off is unbelievable.”
A logjam of five players were T2 on 4-under par, including home hero Jon Rahm, who shot a final-day 72. Tournament host Sergio Garcia was one further back at 3 under after a Sunday 71.
Leaderboard: Final Top 5
Pos-Player-To Par (Final Rd)
1. Christiaan Bezuidenhout -10 (-2)
2. Alvaro Quiros -4 (-4)
2. Mike Lorenza-Vera -4 (-2)
2. Adri Arnaus -4 (-1)
2. Eduardo De La Riva -4 (-1)
2. Jon Rahm -4 (+1)
Video: Celebration
Quotable
Heading to Ireland
“It’s amazing. It’s been my goal in this three week stretch to qualify for The Open and to do it in the first week is fantastic. I’m really looking forward to the tournament starting, it’s going to be special.
“I love to play in front of big crowds. The crowds here have been amazing and they will be even bigger there.
“It’s been a dream since I started playing golf to play in a Major Championship and to play The Open, which is my favorite Major, just makes it even more special.”
– Christiaan Bezuidenhout
