A spectacular birdie-eagle finish for a best of the day 66 led European Tour Member Andres Romero of Argentina to a four stroke victory at the inaugural Roberto De Vicenzo Classic. The 24 year old from Tucuman won his third Tour de las Americas’’ title with a three round total of 11 under par 205.
His countryman Hernan Rey finished birdie-birdie to shoot 67 and take the solo second spot. Walter Miranda, holding the overnight lead by one, played solid golf until missing his driver for bogey at the 13th. That mistake cut his good rhythm and led to bogeys at the 15th and 18th for a 72. He ended up in a tie for the third place along with Rodolfo Gonzalez (71) and Mauricio Molina (67).
“It’’s very important for me to win a tournament that honours De Vicenzo,” said Romero. “I didn’’t have the opportunity to see him play, but I would love to win as many tournaments as he did,” said Romero, winner of five titles and let’’s say, only 226 wins short of tying Latin America’’s greatest player of all-time.
Although De Vicenzo’’s record might never be in danger, if Romero keeps walking in the right direction he could end up becoming a huge star. At 24, this competitor is ready to face the rigors of The 2006 European Tour. He earned his card by finishing 14th on the European Challenge Tour Rankings. His campaign included a win at the Morson International Pro-Am Challenge at the end of August in Manchester, England.
“This has been a great year for me. I have the feeling that I will do well on The European Tour. I’’m going to work very hard to keep my card,” commented Romero.
At the end of 2002, Romero arrived to the TLA scene in style. After winning the 2003 Q-School in Uruguay, he went on to become the only two-event winner of the season with victories at the 2003 Summit Panama Masters and the 2003 Abierto de Medellin to collect Rookie of the Year honors. His good results on the TLA gave him access to the European Challenge Tour, where he enjoyed a superb 2005 season.
