Alejandro Del Rey won his maiden European Challenge Tour title after defeating Mateusz Gradecki on the second extra hole at the Big Green Egg German Challenge powered by VcG.
The Spaniard entered the final round with a one-shot lead at Wittelsbacher Golfclub but a three under par round of 69 was only enough to reach 17 under alongside Gradecki.
The duo could not be split during the first extra trip down the par five 18th, before Del Rey made birdie on the second trip to secure a maiden title as Gradecki saw his attempt slide past the hole.
Del Rey was delighted to seal his first win on the Challenge Tour and make it back-to-back Spanish winners of the Big Green Egg German Challenge powered by VcG, following countryman Angel Hidalgo’s victory in Germany last year.
“I’m lost for words,” he said. “I’ve struggled to be in contention this year but I know I have the ability to close out a win if I’m at the top of the leaderboard. It’s been a frustrating year because I haven’t given myself enough chances to win. This win has given me huge confidence and I’m delighted it all worked out in the end.
“I’ve been playing really well this year, but the courses haven’t suited me. This course is more forgiving off the tee and if I miss the fairway then I will have a difficult second shot but I’m not losing balls. Everything has clicked this week and I’m so happy.
“This win means I can aim a little bit higher and maybe consider targeting a top ten finish on the Rankings. I’m going to give it my all for the rest of the season and push the guys at the top.”
Spaniard Manuel Elvira finished in third place on 16 under par, while French duo Félix Mory and Robin Sciot-Siegrist shared fourth with Germany’s Max Schmitt on 12 under.
Del Rey’s victory sees him climb 32 places to tenth on the Road to Mallorca Rankings, while Gradecki moves to sixth. Denmark’s Oliver Hundebøll remains in pole position on 98,796 points.
The Road to Mallorca now visits Ireland for the Irish Challenge at The K Club from July 28-31.
