France’s Victor Dubuisson overcame some of the biggest names in world golf and a Jamie Donaldson hole-in-one to claim his maiden professional victory at the Turkish Airlines Open.
The 23-year-old began the final round with a five-shot lead in Antalya, but failed to make a birdie on the front nine and came under threat from world No 1 Tiger Woods, US Open champion Justin Rose, Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter and Race to Dubai leader Henrik Stenson.
Dubuisson finally picked up his first shot of the day at the 10th after almost driving the green at the par four, but when he recorded his first bogey for 33 holes at the 14th he was suddenly caught when Welshman Donaldson aced the 180-yard 16th with a seven iron.
Rose then birdied the 16th to make it a three-way tie at the top, but Dubuisson held his nerve to pick up a shot at the 15th and finished in style with a 35-foot birdie putt at the 17th and pitch to six feet at the last for a final round 69 and 24-under total.
That was two better than Donaldson, who missed a six-foot eagle putt at the last, and four clear of Rose and Woods the latter’s strong finish ultimately little more than a consolation after some indifferent play around the turn.
Dubuisson’s victory earns him over £700,000, while he will also move into the top 40 of the world rankings almost certainly enough to earn him an invite to Augusta National for next year’s Masters.
Donaldson won a million air miles for his efforts on the 16th, the fifth hole-in-one of his career.
Stenson remains ahead of Rose and Poulter in The Race to Dubai despite finishing behind both in a tie for seventh, although his lead has been trimmed to under £180,000 by Rose.
Former world No 1 Luke Donald scraped into next week’s season-ending DP World Tour Championship by the skin of his teeth in 59th position despite deciding not to play this week but major winners Paul Lawrie and Padraig Harrington were unable to force their way into the top 60 who qualify.
Marc Warren finished as the top Scot with his final day 65 leaving him six behind Dubuisson.
Richie Ramsay carded a 64 to finish on 14 under, one ahead of Stephen Gallacher, who scored a last round 68, and three in front of Craig Lee, who carded a 71.