The 2015 Portugal Masters lived up to its reputation for drama, excitement and fantastic golf as England’s Andy Sullivan became the first man to win three European Tour events this season when claiming a stunning wire‐to‐wire victory. Coming into the final day with a five shot lead, a round of 66 extended that to nine shots as he finished on 23 under par – well clear of playing partner and compatriot Chris Wood.
Overnight rain and storm warnings resulted in the shotgun start being delayed by two hours at Oceanico Victoria Golf Club, in Vilamoura. However, Sullivan remained focussed and added to The South African Open Championship and Joburg Open victories earlier this year. The 28 year old became the fifth wire‐to‐wire winner of the season and smashed the record winning margin for the event set by Alexander Levy’s three shot victory last year. Sullivan now moves into the top 50 of the Official World Golf Rankings.
Chris Wood finished in second place on 14 under par after a round of 68 with third place being shared by Eduardo de la Riva, Trevor Fisher Jnr and Anthony Wall.
A clearly delighted Andy Sullivan reflected on this major milestone in his career. “It’s just absolutely incredible. To lead from day one right through the final day: it’s nothing I’ve ever experienced before so I wasn’t sure how I’d cope; but, I think I did all right. It was a lot harder than I made it look. I knew I needed to keep going, keep pushing, and keep staying ahead. I felt like I never really got to relax until that second shot to the 18th – even though I knew I had a big lead. Golf’s a funny game – you just never know what can happen.
“It feels incredible to share it with my family and friends as well. It’s been a great week and one I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”
Runner-up Chris Wood was philosophical and magnanimous in equal measure. “I didn’t play that great today but even if I had I don’t think it would’ve made too much of a difference because Andy played absolutely superbly – so hats off to him! I knew the game was probably up after five or six holes, because he wasn’t missing a shot.”
The 2015 Portugal Masters was so successful due to the often unseen work of so many groups and individuals including the organisers at Oceanica, the greens staff, the course marshals and of course the European Tour to name only some of those whose skill and dedication is vital to the event. In anticipation of another great occasion, plans are already being made for next year’s 10th anniversary celebrations to be held once again at the fabulous Oceanica Victoria Golf Club, Vilamoura.