Fasth achieves Spanish double

published 23 October 2006

After a tough four days, Niclas Fasth was victorious in the Mallorca Classic. Fasth (pictured) became the first non-Spanish winner of the event with a solid round of two-under-par 68. On five-under-par he finished 3 shots ahead of Sergio Garcia, who also shot a 68, and the victory for Fasth was his second in Spain this season after he took the Andalucia Open de España Valle Romano in April.

After starting the day tied for the lead with Gary Murphy, Fasth never lost his position at the top. Birdies at the 6th, 10th and 14th meant that Fasth always looked in control on the final day, particularly when Garcia missed a good opportunity for back-to-back birdies at the 14th. Great ball striking but a poor putting performance encapsulated Garcia?s season and highlighted why he has failed to convert any of his ten top-10 finishes this season into victories.

This was Fasth?s fifth victory on the European Tour and it moved him to 21st on the money list. This is the second year running he has won twice in a season, after last year's victories in Holden New Zealand Open and The Deutsche Bank Players? Championship of Europe - both in play-offs.

Although Gary Murphy fell back with a final round of 76 he still did enough to secure his card for next season. After starting the week 118th on the money list (the final place for tour cards) he will undoubtedly be pleased with his week's effort.

Paul joined Golf Monthly in 2006 in a junior role and has since worked as senior staff writer and now as technical editor. He writes equipment and instruction content and tests the vast majority of golf clubs that are introduced every year.