Golf Algarve

Day 1 of 2011 Golf Algarve Nations Cup

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Day 2 Golf Algarve Nations Cup, Quinta da Ria Golf Course

Day 3 Golf Algarve Nations Cup, Benamor Golf Course, 11th September 2011

A New Star Arises - Tom Lewis wins the Portugal Masters

In only his third event since turning professional in September 2011, Tom Lewis the twenty year old Englishman came through the field shooting a final round 65 to win the Portugal Masters by two shots at the Oceanico Victoria Golf Course, Vilamoura. Lewis reeled off 5 birdies in the last 7 holes, including 4 on the spin from the 12th to the 15th, moving him from 16 under and three off the lead through to a final score of 21 under. The early pace-setters in the final round, including overnight leader Rafael Cabrera-Bello (Spain), Felipe Aguilar (Chile) and Christian Nilsson (Sweden), could offer little in response to Lewis’ late charge. Cabrera-Bello eventually finished second on 19 under with five players tied for 3rd place on 18 under. The tournament was also an excellent event for Pedro Figueiredo the young Portuguese amateur who finished on 14 under in joint 23rd place; his best ever result on the European Tour. Pedro had a huge local following during the tournament which helped inspire him to finish as the leading amateur and the leading Portuguese player.

Lewis’ victory brings great rewards, in addition to the €416,000 prize money Tom has also earned his European Tour Card for 2012 & 2013 and advanced up the European rankings to 53rd and in to a potential Ryder Cup place for 2012. His rise has been astronomical since he shot an opening round 65 at this year’s Open at Royal St. George’s, Sandwich in July, the lowest ever round by an amateur in The Open. Lewis finished joint 30th, taking the silver medal as leading amateur in the process, and decided to turn professional almost immediately. This affable young man has a very bright future in front of him and it was a great privilege to see his talent first emerge here in the Algarve.

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