Pierre Pineau sunk a stunning forty-foot eagle putt to defeat countrymen Félix Mory and David Ravetto on the first play-off hole to claim victory at the Open de Portugal at Royal Óbidos.
The 23-year-old carded a five under par round of 67 to reach 15 under alongside Mory and Ravetto at Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort but it was Pineau who claimed his maiden Challenge Tour victory in dramatic fashion.
“I think I had nine, ten events which I was playing on the satellite Tour where I finish second,” he said. “I was just playing to keep my card on the Challenge Tour and now I am doing better than that, so I have no words.”
“My goal this morning was to make the top three. Félix and David are my friends and I know them since I was maybe ten years old so it was special to meet in the play-off.
Pineau was delighted to prove his mental strength during the final round at Royal Óbidos and the Frenchman now has a decision to make on his future plans as the victory sees him climb to 19th in the Road to Mallorca Rankings.
“It is very cool,” he said. “I was supposed to play the French Open on the DP World Tour next and now I must make a decision on what is best to do for my career. I have to speak with my coach, my manager and decide what to do.”
Alex Knappe of Germany still leads the Road to Mallorca rankings from compatriot Freddy Schott with Nathan Kimsey of England climbing one sport to third.
The Road to Mallorca moves on to the Swiss Challenge at Golf Saint Apollinaire next week from September 22-25.
