Thomas Pieters claimed his first European Tour title at the D+D REAL Czech Masters after overcoming a strong challenge from Sweden’s Pelle Edberg. The 23 year old’s three-stroke victory ensured he is in the mix for a place in the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai taking place at Jumeirah Golf Estates from Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 November.
Pieters’ Czech triumph catapulted him up to 53rd from 74th in The Race to Dubai rankings, which gives the Belgian a great chance of finishing in the top 60 for the prestigious closing finale in the United Arab Emirates.
“It’s great to get a victory so early in my career,” said Pieters, who claimed a €166,660 winner’s cheque for the win. “There are so many players out here that maybe haven’t won, or who have just won once, so I am really happy right now. I’m happy to have my family with me and I’m very proud of the way I played today, especially after that early double.”
Pieters finished the tournament on 20 under par 268 at the Albatross Golf Resort after seeing off stiff competition from Edberg and golf in Dubai Ambassador Matthew Fitzpatrick. Edberg’s second-place finish earned him 111,110 points which moves him up to 67th place from 94th in The Race to Dubai.
It was an impressive weekend in Prague for Challenge Tour graduate Fitzpatrick whose form of late has seen him secure his place in the DP World Tour Championship. The youngster, who celebrates his 21st birthday on Tuesday, was sensational in Switzerland just over a month ago, finishing second in the OMEGA European Masters. He currently sits in 37th position in The Race to Dubai standings.
The top 30 in the overall rankings remain unaltered after this latest event and Rory McIlroy still leads the way ahead of England’s Danny Willett in the quest to be crowned European Number One.
The season-ending DP World Tour Championship gets underway on the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in just under three months. General admission is free of charge and can be obtained by registering online at www.DPWorldTourChampionship.com. Those who register will also be placed into a prize draw with the chance to win a VIP Hospitality package for the Championship Chalet.
