Brendan McGovern continued his early season form adding a final round 71 to his previous 70, 71 to finish in a tie for ninth in Finland on a -4 total at the inaugural European Tour Properties Senior Classic.
The finish equals the Headfort professional’s best finish on the European Senior Tour which was at the WINSTON golf Senior Open in his rookie season last year.
At the top and six shots ahead of McGovern Santiago Luna carded a final round 71 to win the by one stroke, securing his third European Senior Tour title at Linna Golf Course.
The Spaniard, who held the overnight lead by one shot, moved to 13 under par after 11 holes, and maintained his lead on the back nine despite three bogeys on the last six holes.
The 54 year old found the 18th green with his second shot, leaving two putts for victory as André Bossert made par, the Swiss settling for second place alongside Luna’s compatriot Miguel Angel Martin.
“This week was unbelievable, especially ending it with the trophy,” said Luna. “You have to play 18 holes. I played fantastic on the front nine but I three-putted twice and I panicked a little. But I hit a great shot on 16 and a very good shot to the green on 18.
“It’s good when you’re in control, but when you lose control it’s tough. I had a few problems with the driver and I was pushing the ball to the right. I lost a little bit of confidence but I was glad I was at the top of the leaderboard.
“When I was on the 18th green, I needed to make sure that Miguel hadn’t made birdie and I knew I had to make two putts. I wanted to get my first as close as possible because I wanted to finish. I was really comfortable, but I was a little bit up and down towards the end.”
Luna joined the Senior Tour in 2013, and secured his first title that same year at the Scottish Senior Open. The following year he won the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship. Last season, he was narrowly beaten by Paul Eales to the Scottish Senior Open title, losing out by just one stroke.
“It’s really nice, because you never know if you’re going to win again. I won twice when I started on the Senior Tour and I hadn’t won for two years and I wondered if I was on the down slope. I’m happy to have this trophy and happy for my friends who have helped me too.”
Sharing fourth place were Qualifying School graduate Clark Dennis and former John Jacobs Trophy winner Peter Fowler on seven under par, and two shots back in a share of sixth were Marc Farry, Barry Lane and Mark Mouland.
Senior Tour debutants Jarmo Sandelin and Gary Orr finished tied for ninth place alongside McGovern and Peter O’Malley.
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