OK, so the race just got underway, but Spain's Pablo Martin won the first leg, and made some history while he was at it. A 3-under 69, one-stroke victory at the Alfred Dunhill Championship on Sunday made the former Oklahoma State star the first player to win on the European tour as both an amateur and professional. In 2007 Mr. Martin's amateur win came at the 2007 Estoril Open de Portugal.
Bordering the world famous Kruger National Park, Leopard Creek Golf Club in Malalane, South Africa, was the exotic setting for this tournament which became something of a nail-biter as South African Charles Schwartzel birdied four of his final five holes to finish just one stroke back.
The island green at the 18th claimed a number of victims, including Ernie Els for whom this became his first year since 1991 without a win. It was Pablo Martin's caddie who convinced him to lay up on that tricky final hole, which was ultimately a wise decision.As winner of this first event in the 2010 Race to Dubai the 23-year-old Martin certainly starts his season in style.
What a cute champion... and what a cute trophy! ;)
ReplyDeleteAsh took the words off my keyboard.
ReplyDeleteA stunning combination.
Congrats to Mr. Martin!
It would be great to see Pablo Martin start to live up to the promise he showed at OState. He was phenomenal.
ReplyDeleteI feel bad to see the Big Easy streak come to an end. With the Tiger mess happening, in a way it's like seeing the "beginning of the end" for an era.
ReplyDeleteQuite a reversal of fortune for Pablo,he finished 118th on the 2009 Race to Dubai!!! Lets see how Pablo does this weekend at s South African Open.
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