Cumbria’s Adam Chapman led wire-to-wire to win the HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour Sky Sports Tour Championship and earn a full Challenge Tour card for 2018.
Chapman won the event in style with a nine under-par three-round total in the £97,980 event – including an ace on day two at the Oceanico Faldo Course on The Algarve.
Based at Carus Green Golf Club, Chapman started his final round in less than convincing fashion with two bogies and just one birdie in his first six holes while MK Kim (Golfmind Korea) made three birdies to tie the lead.
“In a way, it put my mind off the title and made me get a grip of myself,” said Chapman.
“I preferred being level trying to chase the win; I almost felt too comfortable with a four shot lead.”
After picking up an ace in his second round he almost repeated the feat on the 11th hole in the final round. “I wasn’t attacking the pin as it was 163 yards into wind, but I pulled it. As I hit it I really thought this can’t happen again,” added Chapman.
He restored his lead to three shots heading into the final stretch thanks to birdies at 11 and 14 before making four pars to close out the win.
“I’m absolutely delighted with my win,” he said. “For the first time in my life I was speechless and still think I’m dreaming! I was due a big win and with the weather windy, conditions really suited my play.”
With the win Chapman received the £22,540 winner’s cheque as well as a brand new Motocaddy S3 PRO electric trolley with lithium battery, Bushnell Pro X2 Range Finder and Bolle sunglasses.
His first win of the EuroPro season launched him to third in the season-long order of merit having started the week just inside the top-60 field in 54th place.
Joining Chapman on the Challenge Tour in 2018 will be order of merit winner Chris Lloyd (The Kendleshire) – who claimed top spot thanks to three wins in 2017.
For full results go to www.europrotour.com
