Gilligan shines in Sunny Spain

Gary Gilligan produced an unbeatable three-under-par 69 in the final round of the second Golf Escapes PGA South Andalusian Overseas Pro-Am to take an impressive six-shot victory.

The Wildernesse pro started with a three-over-par round of 75 at La Reserva, following it with a three-over-par 74 at the mighty Valderrama and crowning his winning performance with the sub-par 69 at Finca Cortesin.

In second spot was Redlibbets’ Peter Appleyard on 224, the only other player to break par at Finca Cortesin with a 70.

Gilligan said: “Having been out of action for over six months since an appendix operation back in February, I’ve been working hard to reach a competitive standard again. So winning over three rounds at three of the best courses anywhere in Europe is a massive confidence boost.

“I’ve played them before, but this week each course was a terrific test in its own right. The greens at La Reserva were over 12 on the stimp, the pins were on all the crests, and we had a two-club wind to cope with as well, so there was a big premium on putting. Then there was Valderrama, and while the wind was calmer, getting in to the right place on the fairways and green is all important, so I was pleased to get round in 74.”

Having had two rounds over par but still in the lead, Gilligan was delighted with his three-under-par result at Finca Cortesin.

He explained: “There was another of those strong winds blowing there on the day, but I played some of my best golf this year, and the 69 was a wonderful way to finish what’s been a really good week.”

“In 2015 I’m looking to play in the Sunshine Tour and the Alps Tour, and in the Order of Merit events, so winning this week is a great boost for my plans. It’s a very well organised week and you won’t play three better courses in Europe, especially Valderrama!”