Richard McEvoy cannot contain his excitement ahead of his first European Tour title defence at the Porsche European Open next month.
The Englishman won his first European Tour event at the 285th time of asking as he won by one stroke at Green Eagle Golf Courses in 2018.
It capped a remarkable two weeks for the 40-year-old who, just seven days previous, won the Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge on the European Challenge Tour in wire-to-wire fashion.
McEvoy shared the lead heading into the final round in Germany with American Bryson DeChambeau and held his nerve on the 72nd hole as he sunk a birdie putt from 20 feet for a one-stroke victory over Sweden’s Christofer Blomstrand, German amateur Allen John and Italian Renato Paratore.
“I can’t wait to return to Hamburg to defend my title,” said McEvoy. “That win was the culmination of a lot of hard work leading up to the Porsche European Open and the win in France the week before really helped set me up for a good tournament.
“I had played in a pro-am a few weeks before and shot a course record, beating the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Adam Scott. That gave me a lot of confidence – so when I started the final day level with Bryson, I knew that I had it in me to get over the line.
“There were a few nerves out there, and the long putt I holed on the 15th was crucial as Bryson made a six – so there was a two-shot swing as I took the lead on 11 under. Although I dropped a shot on 17, after I teed off on 18 I felt as though I was in control. I was confident in what I was doing.
“When I saw I had a tricky lie, I knew the best decision was to lay-up and give myself a chance to win the tournament. On previous occasions, when you’re in positions like that, your head might be a bit scrambled, but I went through the process and I was ecstatic to see that final putt drop.”
It was the first time in eight years since a player followed a victory on the Challenge Tour with a win on the European Tour the next week.
With McEvoy part of a world-class field in Hamburg, the Englishman is relishing the prospect of defending his title next month.
“The field is shaping up to be stronger than last year’s, especially with the likes of Matt Kuchar and Xander Schauffele making their first appearances,” added McEvoy. “Paul Casey and Patrick Reed were up on the leaderboard last year – I’m really looking forward to going up against them again.
“The fans in Hamburg were fantastic in 2018 and we are all looking forward to their support in a few weeks. It’s going to be another great tournament.”
Tickets to see world class golf at Green Eagle Golf Courses are available from €25 per day, with season tickets available for €100. To purchase tickets, click here.
