Garrick Higgo said it felt “awesome” to secure his first European Tour victory at the Open de Portugal.
Leaderboard
-19 Higgo
-18 Angles
-15 Coetzee, Wilson
-14 Pigem, Dantorp
Report
Garrick Higgo said it felt “awesome” to secure his first European Tour victory at the Open de Portugal.
South African Higgo struck a bogey-free seven-under-par final round of 65 to finish the week on 19 under par and was able to hold off Pep Angles to claim a maiden victory.
Speaking after his win, the 21-year-old told europeantour.com: “It feels awesome. I thought it was going to be a little bit easier over the last three holes but he (Angles) made it a bit tough. That birdie on the last was really, really nice.
“It actually feels a little bit like South Africa to be honest. I just really enjoyed it and I just made sure I had fun out there. It’s a funny feeling. I’m sure it’ll kick in tonight but for now it’s just nice.
“I could have done even better, golf’s always like that. It was nice. I don’t think I made a bogey in two days, so I was just really, really sharp.
“My short game was very good, I chipped in three times so every time I was out of position, I made it a ‘double-plus’.”
English duo Nathan Kimsey and Andrew Wilson had held a share of the lead when play ended on Saturday, with the pair eventually finishing joint 18th and tied third respectively.
Wilson finished the day with six under and finished the week at 15 under par. Jonathan Thomson and Jordan Wrisdale also completed the top 10, in seventh and ninth with 13 and 12 under.
Thomson also equalled the lowest round of the day, with a bogey-free 64, to finish eight under par from the 18 holes.
