Jean Hugo claimed the Champions UK plc European Senior Masters title on Sunday, producing a bogey-free final round of 65 to secure a one-shot victory at La Manga Club in Spain.
The South African delivered eight birdies on the final day to finish the tournament at 19-under-par, narrowly beating England’s Van Phillips in a dramatic conclusion to three days of professional competition.
The victory marks an extraordinary achievement for Hugo, who has now won all three of his Legends Tour starts, following previous triumphs at the Reignwood Legends Championship in China and last week’s Portugal Legends Championship.
Beginning Sunday’s final round three shots behind overnight leader Phillips, Hugo wasted little time closing the gap, recording three consecutive birdies from the second hole. Another birdie at the sixth brought him level with Phillips at 15-under-par, putting him firmly in contention for the title.
Chilean gets hot
Hugo was not the only player making an early move, with Felipe Aguilar also enjoying an excellent start to the final round. The Chilean, who began the day just one shot off the lead, picked up birdies at the first and fourth holes before adding another at the sixth to join the leaders.
A further birdie at the eighth took him to 17-under-par and into the outright lead as the competition reached the halfway point of Sunday’s play. However, three consecutive bogeys from the 10th hole saw Aguilar lose ground, allowing Hugo and Phillips to take control of the closing stages.
Hugo continued his impressive performance on the back nine, recording consecutive birdies at the 14th and 15th to move to 18-under-par. A final birdie at the par-five 18th completed his exceptional round of 65, establishing a clubhouse target of 19-under-par and putting the pressure firmly on Phillips.
Van’s costly eagle miss
The Englishman, who had led the tournament following both Friday’s and Saturday’s rounds, remained in contention until the very last hole. Needing an eagle at the 18th to force a play-off, Phillips produced an excellent approach shot to within six feet of the pin, giving himself the opportunity to extend the contest.
However, his eagle attempt narrowly missed, leaving him to settle for a birdie and a four-under-par round of 69. Phillips finished the tournament in second place on 18-under-par, just one stroke behind Hugo.
India’s Jeev Milkha Singh completed the top three after a final-round 68 took him to 17-under-par, while Aguilar recovered with an eagle on the final hole to finish fourth on 16-under-par.
From Q School to triple title winner
For Hugo, Sunday’s victory represents another major milestone in a remarkable season, particularly after narrowly missing out on securing his Legends Tour playing rights at Qualifying School earlier this year.
“I think China helped a lot. It was a a tough golf course, but it suited me with the length I still have. That was a bit of validation after missing out at Tour School at the beginning of the year. I think that was an important week for me.”
Hugo’s latest success has moved him into fifth place in the Road to Cambodia Order of Merit, putting him in a strong position as the Legends Tour season approaches its conclusion.