Sergio Garcia captured his third Andalucía Valderrama Masters with a four-shot victory after weather delays took the tournament into a fifth day.
The 37-year-old Spaniard, who won the event in 2017 and 2011, held a three-shot lead when stormy conditions forced play to be suspended on Sunday night, after a series of weather delays on the opening three days at Valderrama had already seen the tournament reduced to 54 holes.
Garcia, who was also hosting the tournament, powered to victory when play resumed on Monday, carding three birdies in his last 11 holes to finish the week on 12 under par.
Shane Lowry recorded his best finish of the season when taking second place at eight under par, after a final round 66.The Irishman gave Garcia a scare when he closed the gap to just one shot courtesy of three consecutive birdies at the start of the back nine, but a double bogey at the short 15th hole halted his challenge.
Finn Mikko Korhonen finished two shots further back at six under, one ahead of England’s Ashley Chesters. Further down the leaderboard, and in the race to secure full playing rights next season’s European Tour schedule, Richie Ramsay kept his card after finishing in a share of 11th to jump up to 115th on the Race to Dubai rankings, with David Horsey clinching the final place.
Garcia, for whom this was his 15thEuropean Tour victory, said: “To be able to win three times here at Valderrama is a dream come true. This golf course is so difficult, so for me to be able to shoot three rounds under par with the pin positions we played all week, and with all the weather disruptions, means a lot. I’m very proud of that.”
SERGIO GARCIA’S WINNING GEAR
Driver: Callaway Rogue Sub Zero (10.5°)
Fairway Woods: Callaway Rogue (15°, 18°)
Irons: Callaway Apex MB 18 (3-PW)
Wedges: Callaway Mack Daddy 4 (54°, 58°)
Putter: Odyssey Toulon Atlanta Putter
Ball: Chrome Soft X