Englishman’s stunning victory in Portugal Masters
You can’t believe your eyes when you check out the results of the Portugal Masters. Just look at that scoreboard! Andy Sullivan won the tournament in Vilamoura (14-18 October) with an impressive score of 23-under par (261), an incredible nine shots clear of fellow Englishman Chris Wood. And, if that wasn’t impressive enough, it was a wire-to-wire finish for the 28-year old from Nuneaton with rounds of 64-64-67-66.
It all began for Andy Sullivan last season. With just one shot, he became a household name. For his ace in the Dutch KLM Open in September won him a space trip! And, naturally, worldwide publicity. However, he chose to keep his feet firmly on the ground – he has a fear of heights! Alas, the special conditions of the prize apparently do not permit him to sell the space trip or donate it to charity. Yet winning that space trip prize does seem to have launched his golf career. He has not looked back since.
Earlier this year in January, he claimed his first European Tour victory in the South African Open Championship beating home favourite Charl Schwartzel in a play-off. Two months later, he triumphed in Johannesburg once again when he won the Joburg Open by two shots.
Andy’s fan club flies to Portugal
Many of Andy Sullivan’s family and friends from his golf club were in Portugal at the weekend. His mum and dad were there to support him too. They sensed that something extraordinary was about to happen. He had opened at the Oceånico Victoria Golf Club in Vilamoura with a 7-under par, 64 to share the lead with Nicolas Colsaerts. The Belgian slipped away on day two (level par) leaving Sullivan with a lead he was never to relinquish. He carded another 64 on Friday, followed by his ‘worst’ round of the week, a 67 on Saturday.
Sullivan went into the final round with a 5-shot advantage but also feeling a little apprehensive. It was to be a long morning as overnight rain and a threat of storms had delayed the start by two hours. Consequently, the final round was played as a shot-gun in 3-balls. Incredible to think that after just 54 holes, he was already 18-under par. Such a score would normally secure most titles after 72 holes!
Early birdies steady the nerves
Yet ‘Space man Sullivan’ didn’t just hang on to his lead, he extended it. Well-timed birdies at the 4th and 5th were enough to steady the jangling nerves. Indeed, he almost made an eagle at the par-five 5th after making the green in two. It was to be a bogey-free Sunday sealing his victory in great style with a pair of beautifully composed back-to-back birdies on the last two holes.
Andy Sullivan proudly poses with his Portugal Masters Trophy.
“I was a bit apprehensive this morning”, Andy admitted. “I’d never had the lead before going into the final round. It’s unbelievable. Words cannot explain how I feel. I’m so proud. Just glad I’ve got a week off next week to enjoy it all!”
Whilst Sullivan was busy running away with the title, the quest for runner-up spot was heavily contested. This honour eventually went to fellow Englishman Chris Wood who finished on 14-under par, nine shots behind Sullivan. One stroke further back, there was a 3-way tie for third place: Eduardo de la Riva (Spa); Trevor Fisher jnr (RSA) and Anthony Wall (Eng).
The Portugal Masters earns Sullivan not only a handsome 333,330 euros in prize money, but also moves him into the top 50 of the World Rankings. And, without doubt, equally as important for the Englishman, he has earned valuable points towards a place in next year’s Ryder Cup team.
“Spaceman Sullivan” has now notched-up three wins in the last 23 events. That’s quite a contrast with not a single win in the first 84 events of his professional career. With this win in Portugal, he has become the first player on the European Tour to win three tournaments this season.
Wendy Hoad
Main photograph by Golfing Inspirations: Andy Sullivan receiving his Space Trip prize in the KLM Open at the Kennemer G&CC in September 2014.