Foshan Open Champion, Elvira, Earns Dream Place on 2014 European Tour
2013-11-06 19:14:47

Foshan Golf Club, 4th November 2013. Nacho Elvira, winner of the inaugural Foshan Open on the European Challenge Tour three weeks ago, ended the season with two top 10 finishes thus securing 14th place in the rankings and a dream place on next year’s lucrative European Tour. The genial 26 year old Spaniard endeared himself to the home fans when he rolled in a nerve tingling 12 foot putt on the final green to snatch the Foshan title, promptly hugging and lifting his girl caddie clean off her feet in joy.

Elvira didn’t make things easy for himself in the last two events in Oman and Dubai, enduring a topsy-turvy first three rounds in each and so staring at the strong possibility of finishing outside the all-important top 15 in the Challenge Tour rankings and, therefore, missing out on a place on next year’s full European Tour. However, in what is surely a sign of a golfer destined for stardom, each time he produced superb final rounds  - a 67 in Oman and a 66 in Dubai – to secure his place.
“We’re delighted for Nacho as he was certainly a crowd favorite here at Foshan, “ said Keith Hardman, General Manager of Foshan Golf Club. “He said he will never forget this day and I don’t think we will either as it was such a thrilling finish to a tournament. It would be great if Nacho can make it back here to defend his title next year although we realize that he will have a lot of new commitments on the European Tour.”
For the three players who tied for second place at Foshan, 22 year old Englishman, Tyrell Hatton, and Shiv Kapur of India also made it through to the European Tour. However, it was not to be for 35 year old Sam Walker whose fluffed chip at the 18th green at Foshan ended his chances of victory and will live long in the memory of the three thousand spectators gathered there. Walker came agonizingly close joining Elvira, Hatton and Kapur, ending the season just one place, and less than 3,000 euros, outside the top 15 in the rankings.
For the organizers of the Foshan Open, it’s already back to work to get ready for 2014.
“Plans are already under way for next year’s Foshan Open,” said Hardman. “Given the great success of this first event, we want to make it even bigger and better next October.”