Daniel Vancsik of Argentina completed a stunning seven shot victory at the Madeira Islands Open on Sunday, becoming the tenth different player this season to win a first European Tour title.
The 30 year-old carded a solid final round of 68 at Santo da Serra, with his front nine of 32 meaning that the final couple of hours on Sunday were played out with minimal pressure. Veteran South African David Frost and Spain's Santiago Luna eventually finished in a tie for second place at -11, some seven strokes behind the winner.
The victory was Vancsik's first top ten finish on the European Tour, in what is his second full season. He showed remarkable improvement in Madeira, having missed 15 of 25 cuts in 2006 and more than half of them again so far this season.
Scotland's Euan Little will be very happy with his tie for fourth place, while Wales' Bradley Dredge continued his warm up for a first Masters appearance by finishing in 16th, some fourteen shots behind the winner.
"I was surprised to play so well this week," said the winner after sinking the final putt.
"But when you feel relaxed with your putting and your short game, which my new coach has really helped me with, you can relax on the course."
MADEIRA ISLANDS OPEN - LEADING SCORES
Santo da Serra GC, Madeira
GB&I unless stated
-18 D Vancsik (Arg)
-11 S Luna (Spa), D Frost (RSA)
- 9 C Cevaer (Fra), M Vibe-Hastrup (Den), E Little
Arnold Palmer Invitational Field 2025
Arnold Palmer Invitational Prize Money Payout 2025
