The final event of the 2019 Staysure Tour season took place at the MCB Tour Championship – Mauritius at Constance Belle Mare Plage last week with plenty on the line.
Season ends in style
The 2019 Staysure Tour season came to an enthralling finish last week with Jarmo Sandelin clinching the final event of the year on a day when there were four winners in Mauritius.
The Swede returned to the winner’s circle for the first time in 18 years, recording a final round of 65, seven under par, to come from four shots behind at the beginning of play to lift the MCB Tour Championship – Mauritius trophy at the conclusion of play.
James Kingston finished runner-up behind Sandelin, which gave him enough points to be crowned King of the Swing, awarded for the top performer in the Indian Ocean. The South African claimed a share of seventh at the MCB Tour Championship – Madagascar before finishing runner-up behind Peter Fowler at the MCB Tour Championship – Seychelles.
The 1999 Open Champion Paul Lawrie, who won his maiden Staysure Tour title on home soil at the Scottish Senior Open, collected the Rookie of the Year award as he finished tied seventh at Constance Belle Mare Plage, birdieing four of his final five holes to end the season 11th on the Order of Merit.
The final award went to the player who topped the Order of Merit after 19 events of another fascinating Staysure Tour season. Winner of the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship and the most consistent player in 2019 with 12 top tens, Phillip Price claimed an inaugural John Jacobs Trophy to round off a wonderful campaign for The 2002 Ryder Cup hero.
A round to remember
Sandelin’s first victory since the 2001 BMW Asian Open will stick long in his memory, especially with son Lukas on the bag and a winning final round of sheer class.
Four under par after six holes, the Swede was making an impressive final day charge. However, he was halted by a double bogey six on the par four ninth after he overshot the green and was forced to take a penalty drop from the hazard.
The charismatic 52-year-old was determined not to be disheartened by the set back and soon found his rhythm again. On his return to the clubhouse he lit up the Legends Course at Constance Belle Mare Plage, making five consecutive birdies from the 11th to the 15th. The five gains saw him charge into the lead and when he dropped a shot at the 17th he immediately rectified it by birdieing the last for a golfing display that will live long in the memory of the Sandelin family and all who watched it.
Atlevi and Rocca race round
Magnus P Atlevi and Constantino Rocca did not waste any time on the final round as they raced round the Legends Course at the European Tour Destinations venue in two hours and 34 minutes. The pair were the first game off in the final round of the 2019 season and breezed through 18 holes, ending their 2019 campaigns before the final game teed off.
