Gavins checks out with Hotelplanner.com title

Daniel Gavins moved into the top five of the 888poker.com PGA Europro Tour Order of Merit with his maiden victory on the tour.

The 22-year-old carded a superb seven-under-par final-round 63 to win the HotelPlanner.com Championship by three strokes at Dale Hill Golf Club in East Sussex.

Gavins, based at De Vere Oulton Hall in Yorkshire, finished the week 12-under-par. Dave Coupland came second on nine under to move to the top of the Order of Merit, with Oliver Farr third, four off the lead.

Gavins wins £10,000, a brand new Motocaddy trolley and £500 to spend at HotelPlanner.com.

He had finished in the top ten three times previously this season, with his win pushing him to third in the Order of Merit.

“I went out today trying to keep in my process with every shot,” he said. “My back nine was terrific, to

“To be honest I don’t remember much of that back nine but when I finished I was told I shot 29 for the back nine and I didn’t realise that at all. I stuck to my game and tried to keep it going. Fairways and greens was my aim for the last few holes.

“I have had a few top tens this year and I have been playing solidly so it is really nice to get the first win on the board. Mentally it was tough, especially on the back nine, but I tried to stay in the zone and stay calm.

“This win is very important, it has got me up to the top five on the Order of Merit so if I can keep going and have a few good finishes I should do well this year.”

Gavins’ impressive final round included an eagle on the 11th and six birdies, with his only blemish a five on the sixth.

Second-placed Coupland (Sharp Sports Golf Management), who won at Mar Hall two weeks ago, carded a 65 while Farr (Worcester Golf & Country Club) shot 66.

Highlights of the HotelPlanner.com Championship will be broadcast on Sky Sports HD during the week commencing September 2.