Frank Kennedy kept his cool on the final day at Adamstal Golf Club in Austria to secure a first win as a professional with a one-stroke victory of the Euram Bank Open.
The 18-year Englishman, who is based in Florida, took a two-shot lead into the final round and maintained his advantage after a level-par front nine.
Despite a bogey at 12, Kennedy kept his composure to par his remaining six holes to finish 13 under par, one shot clear of German Nicolai von Dellingshausen in second.
Kennedy, who gave us his place in last year’s Walker Cup team to pursue a professional career, was delighted to join the winner’s circle in his first full season in the paid ranks.
“I’m over the moon,” he said. “It was a tough day, I didn’t make anywhere near as many putts as I did the first three days, but definitely happy to come away with the win.
“I holed a nice putt for par on 16, which gave me momentum. I didn’t give myself the easiest putts on the last two holes, but I’m very happy to walk away and say I’ve holed it and won this week.
“The win gives me a full Challenge Tour card,” he said. “Hopefully I can push on for the rest of the season, finish in the top 20, and get onto the DP World Tour.
“It’s a big goal – everyone playing on the Challenge Tour is targeting that top 20 – but it’ll be the same next week. I’ll go out on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and prep for that first tee shot on Thursday.”
France’s Martin Couvra shared third place with Austrian Maximilian Steinlechner on 11 under par, one shot clear of Oliver Lindell from Finland, Norwegian Herman Sekne, and German Velten Meyer in fifth.