The Estoril Open de Portugal returns to Penha Longa Golf Club for the first time since 1995 when Scotsman Adam Hunter took the title after beating Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke in a play-off. Last year at Oitavos Dunes in Cascais, there was better news for Clarke’s fellow Ulsterman Michael Hoey when he claimed his maiden European Tour title, ironically, also in a play-off against Spain’s Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño.
A third round 69 from Hoey – who had led the Madeira Islands Open BPI – Portugal after two rounds two weeks previously before slipping back –moved him in the right direction this time, before a superb closing 66 – allied to Fernandez-Castaño’s 67 – saw the pair both emerge from the pack to finish tied on seven under par 277 at the end of regulation play.
Two trips to the 18th failed to separate the duo before the end came at the demanding 475 yard, par four 17th. Both players missed the green with their approach shots leaving Fernandez-Castaño to play first. The Spaniard chipped to 12 feet while Hoey, restricted by a tree branch, did well to pitch to six. When Fernandez-Castaño’s par putt stayed above ground, Hoey knew what he had to do – and he did.
