An outstanding birdie-eagle finish saw Tomas Jesus Muñoz crowned champion at the European Challenge Tour’s Peugeot Challenge R.C.G El Prat. The Spaniard carded a final round of four under par 68 to win by a single stroke from Paraguay’s Marco Ruiz.
Muñoz’s finish was all the more remarkable given that it came on the back of a double bogey six at the 16th, which looked to have cost him the tournament. But the 34 year old from Malaga mustered an inspirational finish over the Real Club de Golf El Prat’s closing two holes to win the €18,400 first prize.
Having begun the day in a tie for tenth place on three over par, Muñoz took the club house lead long before the leaders had finished their rounds. The result was an anxious wait that only came to an end when overnight leader Ruiz missed a short birdie putt on the 18th hole to ensure Muñoz would win by one.
While Ruiz was left to rue his missed chance to force the tournament into a play-off, Muñoz celebrated an unexpected home victory.
“I did not expect to have a chance of winning when I started my round today, so to have won the tournament is unbelievable,” said Muñoz.
“I played very well all day and then got onto the 16th where I made double bogey and thought that any chance I had was gone at that point. Then on the 17th, I holed and inhuman putt for birdie from over 11 metres, which got me going again.
“On the 18th I hit a good drive and then a great three wood to seven metres which I managed to hole for eagle.
“I have finished second and third at Challenge Tour events before, but this is my first victory and I feel it can be a very big step for me in terms of playing in Europe. The last time I won an event on the Peugeot Tour here in Spain it was in similar circumstances to today.
“I had started earlier than the leaders then, and it was the same today. Perhaps that is why I was a bit more relaxed because I didn’t feel there was pressure on me to win. The pressure at this tournament came from the golf course because it is a very tough place to play.
“It might be unexpected, but it means a lot to have won today and I am delighted as it has been a tough year for me outside of golf.”
Muñoz’s prize money takes him to 16th place on the Challenge Tour Rankings, which are still headed by Ireland’s David Higgins, who finished in a tie for seventh place in Barcelona and who has accumulated €63,359.
Ruiz’s second place finish lifted him to sixth position on the Rankings, while third placed Michael Kirk of South Africa and England’s Lee James are now respectively seventh and 26th on the current Rankings.
