Sergio Garcia continued his love affair with Valderrama when claiming a sixth European Tour win on Spanish soil at the Andalucia Valderrama Masters.
The Masters champion, who was hosting the tournament to raise funds for his own charitable foundation, made it a third victory of the year, while rounding off a perfect week during which he was awarded honorary life membership of the European Tour, as well as announcing that he is due to become a father next March.
It was no walk in the park for Garcia, who had to battle with Dutchman Joost Luiten all the way to the end, before a par four at the final hole finished off a closing 67 for a 12-under-par total and a one-stroke triumph.
The win saw Garcia close the gap on Tommy Fleetwood at the top of the Race to Dubai rankings, with the battle to be crowned 2017 European Tour No.1 all to play for heading into the final four events of the season.
Luiten carded six birdies and bogey for a 66, but came up just short as a crucial birdie putt at the last just lipped out, leaving him with a runner-up finish that moved him to 31st in the money list.
England’s Daniel Brooks was four shots further back on seven under, after a level par 71, finishing two shots clear of Jamie Donaldson and three ahead of Wade Ormsby as all three men moved inside the top 101 in the rankings to secure their playing privileges for next season.
“It’s been an amazing year, and to win here at Valderrama is very special,” said Garcia. “It’s difficult to describe how it feels to win at home, and to win on your favourite golf course. I played really well, and felt like I could pull away, but Joost played unbelievable golf. He just kept coming back and back and made it an amazing match.
“I stayed patient the whole time, I made sure the bad moments did not affect me too much, and made a couple of really key putts coming in. The crowds were unbelievable. So many people came out and supported, it was really a treat. I want to dedicate this one to my wife Angela and our little baby coming next year.”