South Africa’s Yurav Premlall has etched his name into the golfing record books after winning the Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship by a margin of 14 shots.
After shooting earlier rounds of 70, 64 and 63, the 22-year-old South African started the final day at El Prat Golf Club with a five-shot lead, but rather than protect that comfortable cushion, he doubled down on his aggressive approach, firing six birdies on the front nine which stretched his lead to 12 at the turn.
Further birdies at 12 and 13 extended his advantage to 14 shots, and raised the prospect of Tiger Woods’ 26-year-old record for the largest winning margin – 15 shots at the 2000 US Open – being within reach.
A first dropped shot of the day on 14 made breaking the record seem unlikely, but Premlall gave it a good go, finishing with back-to-back birdies for a closing 63, which left him to one shot shy of the record.
His consolation prize was the record winning margin for a maiden title on the DP World Tour, as he secured a life-changing first victory at this level with a score of 28 under par for the week.
Premlall’s week’s work has not only secured him the winner’s cheque and a $50,000 bonus for breaking the course record, but he also leaps to 26th on the Race to Dubai Rankings, up from 157th.
Speaking after his win, Premlall said: “I’ve worked so hard to get into this position, so it’s very rewarding to finally see the results of it. The last eight, nine months have been such a struggle just to build myself a platform where I could give myself a chance to win, so to end up doing just that is a dream come true.”
Despite such a wide margin win, there were still the minor placings to be sorted. Premlall’s fellow South African Shaun Norris finished alone in second on 14 under after a closing 68, while Alejandro del Rey, Oihan Guillamoundeguy and South JC Ritchie were a further shot back in a tie for third at 13 under.
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