Mikko Korhonen posted a final-round 69 and cruised to a six-shot victory at the Shot Clock Masters.
The Finn entered Sunday’s finale at Diamond Country Club with a five-shot advantage and had extended it by one after signing for a card comprised of five birdies against two bogeys en route to a four-day total of 16-under par.
On his 146th start, the 37-year old journeyman was finally a European Tour winner.
“I didn’t dare to think about winning,” said Korhonen, who has bounced between the big tour and Challenge Tour since 2006.
“When my last shot had landed on the 18th green, then I knew I had like five or six putts of cushion.
“It feels great, beautiful. It’s been a long wait so it feels so good. Yes, I have thought that I might not be in this position.
“I’ve been up there a couple of times and couldn’t do it at those times but now I’m so happy and relieved that I have done it.”
Scotland’s Connor Syme matched Korhonen’s 69 to secure solo second at 10-under par, one clear of Nicolas Colsaerts (67) who headlined a foursome of players at 9 under and T3.
FINAL TOP 10
1 Mikko Korhonen -16
2 Connor Syme -10
3 Steve Webster -9
3 Nicolas Colsaerts -9
3 Raphael Jacquelin -9
3 Justin Walters -9
7 Scott Fernandez -8
7 Oliver Farr -8
7 Ashley Chesters -8
7 David Horsey -8
7 Peter Hanson -8
ROAD TO VICTORY
After Round 1: T5 -4 (68)
After Round 2: 1st -9 (67)
After Round 3: 1st -13 (68)
After Round 4: 1st -16 (69)
WINNER’S STATS
Driving: 313.8 yards (19th)
Fairways: 41/56, 73.2% (4th)
Greens: 57/72, 79.2% (3rd)
Putting GIR: 1.698 (17th)
Par 3s: -3 (3 Birdies, 13 Pars)
Par 4s: -9 (11 Birdies, 27 Pars, 2 Bogeys)
Par 5s: -4 (4 Birdies, 12 Pars)
Front 9: -11 (12 Birdies, 23 Pars, 1 Bogey)
Back 9: -4 (5 Birdies, 30 Pars, 1 Bogey)
Total Scoring: 18 Birdies, 52 Pars, 2 Bogeys
VIDEO: THE WINNER
QUOTABLE
“It’s not easy to win, especially not the first win, so I’m really happy to have done it. I have no words, it’s so good.”
– Mikko Korhonen
