Sergio Garcia Successfully Defends Valderrama Masters Title

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Sergio Garcia claimed a four-shot victory at the Andalucia Valderrama Masters after completing a final round of 70 on Monday.

Garcia, who had been in possession of a three-shot lead when weather suspended play on Sunday, carded three birdies and a single bogey in his last 11 holes to finish the week on 12-under par.

The win was Garcia’s third at his homeland’s event, following titles in 2011 and 2017, which he called a “dream come true.”

“It’s amazing to be able to win here at Valderrama three times – it’s a dream come true,” said Garcia.

“It’s so difficult. This golf course is so challenging and for me to be able to go out there in the conditions we played in all week and shoot three rounds under par means a lot. I’m very proud of that and really excited about the week.

“I knew the guys were going to be going after me and this golf course is the kind of course where if you’re a little bit off you can struggle. But if your game is on it gives you a lot of birdie opportunities.”

Shane Lowry finished alone in second on 8-under par after carding seven birdies in his final-round 66. The Irishman had cut the gap to one stroke but a double bogey on the 14th ended his chances.

Finn Mikko Korhonen (67) was two further back in solo third, one clear of Englishman Ashley Chesters (72) in fourth at 5 under. Seven-time European Tour winner Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano of Spain finished T5 on 4 under to jump into the top 116 in the Race to Dubai Rankings and retain his playing privileges for 2019.

With the win Garcia is expected to move up to 25th in the RTD standings, and 27 in the Official World Golf Rankings.


2018 Andalucia Valderrama Masters

Final Round: The Top 5

Pos-Player-To Par (Today)
1. Sergio Garcia -12 (-2)
2. Shane Lowry -8 (-6)
3. Mikko Korhonen -6 (-5)
4. Ashley Chesters -5 (E)
5. Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano -4 (-1)
5. Max Kieffer -4 (-6)
5. Lee Westwood -4 (-2)

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