Hat-trick hero Hebert signs off in Grand style
2014-11-10 10:51:56

Hat-trick hero Hebert signs off in Grand style

On a day of drama at the Dubai Festival City Challenge Tour Grand Final hosted by Al Badia Golf Club, it was Benjamin Hebert who wrote his name into the record books, thanks to an emphatic third win of the 2014 European Challenge Tour season. The Frenchman finished five clear of compatriot Jérôme Lando Casanova on 12 under par thanks to a three under closing 69 on Saturday.

Few could question the serene way in which Hebert went about his business on the final day, as he built an unassailable lead thanks to five birdies and just two dropped shots, meaning attention soon turned to the battle for a place in an increasingly fluid top 15 on the Rankings.

While Andrew Johnston rubber-stamped his title as the 2014 Challenge Tour Number One with a top ten finish after a level par final round of 72, it was all happening further down the list as dreams were made and hearts were broken.

For much of the day it had looked like Dane Lasse Jensen had done enough to earn his place amongst the graduating class, but five dropped shots in as many holes around the turn put paid to his chances and left the way clear for the charging Lando Casanova, who hit light speed on the final day in Dubai.

The Frenchman started the week with a six over par 78 in the opening round, but a fantastic run over the closing three rounds culminated in a final round 69, which meant he climbed 25 places in the Rankings to 13th place.

Farr might not have realised the effect his play on the final hole would have had on so many players’ careers, but regardless of his crucial bogey at the last to card a closing 73 and finish six adrift of Hebert, the Welshman will be elated with a third place finish that guarantees a maiden sojourn on The European Tour at the end of an impressive rookie season.