Desert Springs Golf Professional Alfonso Castiñeira became the 2008 Champion of the ‘National Peugeot Loewe Tour’ Qualifying School last week in El Rompido, Huelva.
Alfonso shot rounds of 72+78+73+67 (290), to beat Juan Andrés Vizcaya and Gorka Guillén by 2 strokes. Alfonso’s fourth round 67 (-5) was the best 18 hole score of the tournament and notably Alfonso was the only player within the field to break 70 strokes in any of the four tournament rounds.
Speaking of his victory, Alfonso commented: “I am obviously extremely pleased to have won this event, because it was my first individual professional tournament since turning professional in March of 2007, and there is no better way to start than with a victory!”
On his performance, Alfonso said: “I played great golf all week, I was very accurate from tee to green, a benefit of playing my golf on the Indiana course, but didn’t make any putts during the first three rounds”.
After a rock steady opening round of level par 72, Alfonso’s second round was going well, however due to 3 double bogeys the result was a 78, but he wasn’t down hearted. Day three saw a recovery round of 73 leaving him tied for 15th position on the leader board.
To achieve his tour card, after 4 rounds had been completed, Alfonso needed to finish in the top 40 of the field.
As is typical of all great champions the final round was the best for Alfonso, who played alongside Alejandro Larrazábal (British Amateur Champion), and David Blanco. Alfonso started his round with birdies on the 1st, 3rd and 9th hole, followed by birdies on holes 10th and 14th. With no bogies on his scorecard it was a flawless performance!
Alfonso remarked: “It was a bit strange, because it was a quick start. After my birdies on the 1st and 3rd holes I just tried to play easy golf, without taking any risks from the tee and being a little bit more aggressive on the second shot”.
After 9 holes, Alfonso had climbed 14 places and was in a share for the lead. After applying the pressure with 2 birdies on the homeward nine holes he opened the gap between him and the rest of the field to secure first place by 2 shots from his nearest rival.
Alfonso now hopes to compete in some Spanish Tour events and a couple of Challenge Tour events, however most importantly this victory could secure him an invitation into some European Tour events!
Our most sincere congratulations to Alfonso!
For further information contact: Alfonso Castiñeira
E-mail: acm@almanzora.com
Telephone: +34 670 613 900
