Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters - Day four digest

Everything you need to know from Sunday at Real Club Valderrama.

Adrian Otaegui claimed his fourth DP World Tour title, Joakim Lagergren finished second to put himself on the cusp of a trip to Dubai and Angel Hidalgo sealed his Tour card for next season on the final day of the 2022 Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters.

Here is everything you need to know from Sunday at Real Club Valderrama.

Otaegui wins in Andalucía

Adrian Otaegui secured his fourth DP World Tour title by posting a closing 68 at Valderrama to win by six shots. Beginning the final day with a six-stroke lead, he carded a mix of four birdies with one bogey. His final score of 19 under set the new 72-hole tournament record at the 1997 Ryder Cup venue, beating the previous best by seven shots. After Jon Rahm also won on home soil last week in Madrid, Otaegui becomes the 200th Spanish player to win on Tour. His victory, two years on from his last at the Scottish Championship, also sees him climb to tenth in the DP World Tour Rankings in Partnership with Rolex.

Lagergren swaps fears of losing his Tour card for likely Dubai trip

Playing in the final group, Joakim Lagergren enjoyed an impressive day on the greens as he posted a final round of 68 to finish second on 13 under. The Swede began the week 127th in the season-long DP World Tour Rankings, fearing about losing his Tour card, but an excellent week has propelled him to 44th. The jump of 83 spots has moved the 2018 Rocco Forte Sicilian Open winner into position to secure his spot at next month’s DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, the field for which comprises the top 50 on the DP World Tour Rankings.

Another good week in Spain for Min Woo

One player who has enjoyed his late season visit to Spain is Min Woo Lee. The Australian carded a one-under 70 on Sunday to finish on ten under and make it back-to-back third-place finishes after a strong showing last week in Madrid. The 24-year-old can now look forward to his second consecutive visit to the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

Hidalgo holds his nerve in pursuit of Tour card

There were tournaments within a tournament for many in the field at Valderrama, with several players vying for their full playing privileges next season, as well as some trying to secure a spot in the field for the DP World Tour Championship. Willed on by the home crowds, Angel Hidalgo produced some determined golf in a 73 that belied the 24-year-old’s inexperience. Such was the significance of the prize at stake for him, he celebrated pars on the back nine like he was on the cusp of the title. By the time he made his way to the 18th green, there were tears of joy for the Spaniard as he secured a fourth-placed finish and with it, a DP World Tour card for 2023.

Smith enjoys ‘fun test’ of Valderrama

Jordan Smith has proven a consistent force on the DP World Tour this season. Despite a one over par 72 on Sunday, the Englishman secured an eighth top ten of the campaign to lift him up to 13th on the DP World Tour Rankings. A second Tour title in what remains of the season would be the least the 29-year-old deserves based on what he has produced in 2022.

Best of the day

After rounds of 72 over the first three days, Zander Lombard closed out his week in southern Spain with a bogey-free 66 to climb into a share of 14th place. The low round of the day helped the South African climb inside the desired top 50 on the DP World Tour Rankings, with a debut appearance at the DP World Tour Championship now a genuine possibility.