Ricardo Santos created European Tour history in becoming the first Portuguese-born player to win on home soil by capturing the Madeira Islands Open.
Santos, 29 shot a final round 63 to come from four strokes behind and win by four, and also set a new championship four round low of 22-under par tally on the Santa da Serra course.
His final round score also is a record last day low in the 19-year history of the event.
- Ricardo Santos with caddy, Jorge Gamarra after victory in the 2012 Madeira Islands Open. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
Victory earns the former Challenge Tour graduate a one-year European Tour exemption as well as entry in next fortnight’s flagship BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
However it was a very emotional victory for the Villamoura attached Santos who dedicated his win to his wife, Rita and young three-year old daughter, Victoria which in Portuguese translates into ‘victory’.
“I don’t have the words to describe this week as it is very emotional,” he said.
“To win my first European Tour event in my own country is very special.
“It was a sensational round and definitely the best of my career. It was amazing to have the crowds here supporting me. It would be difficult to imagine a better win than this.
“I didn’t have many bad moments in the round, but the supporters were always there to pick me up and keep going.
“This is a huge moment in my career.”
Santos, who graduated to the main tour earlier this year, was presented with a first prize cheque of Euro 112,500 and earned a one-year Tour exemption to the end of 2013.
He also qualifies for next fortnight’s European Tour flagship BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and earns a place in next year’s Volvo Champions event.
It was also an emotional day for Santos’ caddy, Argentina-born Jorge Gamarra whose mother passed away recently. Gamarra was again wearing the same shirt he wore when he caddied for Francesco Molinai in capturing the 2006 Italian Open. It was a first European Tour success for both Molinari and Gamarra.
Sweden’s Magnus Carlsson birdied the last in a round of 67 to finish second on 18-under par.
England’s Oliver Wilson, who was looking to end a run of nine second place finishes, left his birdie putt short on the last in a round of 69 to share fourth place on 16-under par.
