Ravano shoots second official 59 in European Tour history

Nicolo Ravano became only the second player in the history of the European, Challenge and Seniors Tours to card a 59, which he achieved during the second round of the Fred Olsen Challenge de España.

The Italian joined France’s Adrien Mörk – who made the first official 59 on the Challenge Tour in 2006 – in the history books by shooting an incredible 12 under par, bogey-free round, carding ten birdies and an eagle to break the course record at Tecina Golf by one stroke.

The 31 year old picked up five birdies over the front nine, reaching the turn in 31. The Genoa man, who earned a European Tour card for this season at Qualifying School, then continued his stunning form over the back nine, making four consecutive birdies from holes 12 to 15.

After a further gain at the 17th hole, Ravano walked down the 18th fairway knowing he needed an eagle to make history.

And it was only until he came on to the green that the record-breaker knew he had made history, after holing out from the fairway with his sand wedge.

“It is a great, great feeling,” said Ravano, whose previous career best over 18 holes was eight under par.

“Throughout today I just played safe and gave myself a lot of chances for birdie. Then I went out and holed a lot of putts – I have never putted as well in my life – so am very happy.

“Walking down 18 nobody clapped so it was a really nice surprise to find that it had gone in the hole.

“I was afraid that the ball was spinning out of the green and in to the bunker – when I didn’t see it was on the green that’s what I was looking at.

“There was a ball on the fringe and I thought it was mine. But the caddy of Joseph [Dean] told me ‘it’s in’ and it was a great moment.

“When I realised it was 59 I was very proud as you don’t see many of those. I am hoping I can make it happen again and get it done. I now have to keep the momentum going over the weekend.”

Ravano’s 12 under par score handed him a share of the clubhouse lead in La Gomera, where he is joined by England’s Charlie Ford on 14 under par.