Robert Rock recorded the finest victory of his career at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship to cap a fairytale rise to prominence.
The man from Lichfield remained calm and composed under pressure to hold off the challenge of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods.
Rock - who has been affiliated with The Belfry for the past six years - led overnight, birdied three of his first six holes on Sunday and held on, despite pressure from Ryder Cup players Woods, McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Thomas Bjorn.
"I can't believe I've done that today - it's such an amazing feeling", he admitted, adding: "I was very happy to be playing with Tiger Woods today, and that's a special honour in itself.
"I really surprised myself - early on I was very, very nervous, but hit some good shots and started thinking, 'why not?'"
His second professional victory in seven months moves the 34-year to second in the Race to Dubai standings and 55th in the Official World Golf Rankings, securing starts at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and HSBC Champions in the process.
Gary Silock, Director of Golf at the resort, said: "On behalf of everybody the Belfry, we'd like to congratulate Robert on his stunning victory in Abu Dhabi.
"We look forward to congratulating him in person when he next drops in to practice on the Brabazon Course."
Belfry-affiliated professionals have performed well of late, including Tom Whitehouse and his cousin Sam Walker, who held his nerve in the final event of the 2011 Challenge Tour to gain a 2012 European Tour Card.
-
Jinichiro Kozuma Facts: 12 Things You Didn't Know About The Japanese LIV GolferLearn more about the life and career of Japanese LIV Golf League pro, Jinichiro Kozuma via the following facts...
-
Treat The Golfer In Your Life This Christmas And Save Big With $700 Savings On Stewart Golf Electric TrolleysGolf Monthly experts rate these remote control golf trolleys as some of the best available, on offer right now in these brilliant Christmas golf deals
