Louis Oosthuizen wins Andalucia Open

South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen won his first European Tour event with a final-round 67 to claim the Andalucia Open in Malaga.

The 27-year-old finished on 17-under-par, three shots clear of Richard Finch and Peter Whiteford to put an end to a string of runners-up spots - the last of which came at the Hassan II Trophy in Morocco just a week ago.

Victory also meant a move into the world's top 50 for Oosthuizen which secures a place at Augusta for the season's first Major next week.

"Unbelievable - that was my goal two months ago," said Oosthuizen of his qualification for the US Masters.

"I was quite nervous down the stretch and very nervous on the 18th tee. I just decided to hit it as hard as I could.

"I knew I was good enough to win one, now I want to stay in the top 50."

Oosthuizen's 63 on Friday put the South African in pole position and after three birdies in the opening five holes on Sunday, the rest of the field were playing catch up.

He could even afford a bogey on 16 after Whiteford three-putted on 15, whereas for England's Finch, his run of three birdies in his last five holes came a little too late.

Meanwhile, after a superb 63 on Friday, Golf Monthly's touring professional Sam Hutsby finished in a very respectable tie for 12th.

Andalucia Open Real Club de Campo de Málaga, Spain Mar 25-28, purse €1,000,000, par 70

1 Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 67 63 66 67 €166,660 T2 Richard Finch (ENG) 68 65 66 67 €86,855 T2 Peter Whiteford (SCO) 69 64 67 66 €86,855 T4 Francesco Molinari (ITA) 68 68 65 67 €46,200 T4 Robert Coles (ENG) 69 65 63 71 €46,200

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