Welshman Rhys Davies held off a spirited charge from Australian Geoff Drakeford to claim his second Challenge Tour title of the season with victory in the Fred Olsen Challenge de Espana in the Canary Islands.
Starting the final day four clear of the field, Davies was caught by the seventh before pulling clear over the back nine at Tecina Golf on the holiday island of La Gomera. Three birdies in his last six holes completed a final round 68 for a winning 22 under par total of 262.
“It was a little closer than I might have hoped,” admitted Davies. “But it’s great to win again.
“It’s my second win this season so that’s great.
And once I’ve enjoyed this I’ll regroup and try for a third - Davies
Davies, who also won the Turkish Airlines Challenge in May, was caught over the early holes when playing partner Charles-Edouard Russo of France picked up four early birdies and those playing in front, such as Drakeford and Spain’s Juan Sarasti, were also gaining on him.
“I don’t think I was ever passed though so regrouped and then made a good birdie on the ninth. Then managed the course well coming in.”
His big break came at the 16th when he hit a nine iron to five feet to set up a birdie and then followed that with another on the 17th to give himself breathing space playing the last.
It’s a welcome return to form for the 30 year old, who won the Trophée Hassan II in Morocco on The European Tour five years ago before losing his card and struggling to build on that early promise.
“It’s just really nice playing well again,” said Davies, a promising cricketer in his youth. “I haven’t played well for a number of years but have worked hard and it’s nice to see the results. It doesn’t matter what level you are, whether a professional of amateur, you just want to play well. And I love the competition and always want to win. That is always my main goal at every event.”
Davies will now be aiming for a third title for automatic promotion back to The European Tour.
Drakeford made a final day charge with an eagle and five birdies for a closing 64 to claim second place, his highest finish since joining the professional ranks last November.
Russo, who briefly drew level with Davies after four birdies in his first seven holes, eventually finished with a three under par 68 for a share of third place on 18 under par alongside Sarasti, who finished highest of the home players after a closing best-of-the-day 63.
