Steve Webster of England poses with the trophy after wining the Portugal Masters at the Oceanico Victoria Golf Club in Vilamoura, Southern Portugal. Webster won with 25 strokes under par 72. © AFP |
Steve Webster hit a stunning final round eight under par 64 to snatch victory at the Portugal Masters here on Sunday before breaking into floods of tears.
The 32-year-old mastered the Victoria Club course to take the 350,000 pounds (719,000 dollars) first prize, just five months after the death of his mother from cancer.
He celebrated by blowing a kiss to the skies.
His victory was achieved with a 25-under-par total, the lowest of the season on Tour, leaving him three shots clear of Ryder Cup Swede Robert Karlsson and six clear of the rest.
"I was thinking about her all the way round," said Webster who hugged his father Terry after winning. "Losing my mum really knocked me about. I didn't even think I'd get my card because it was quite tough.
"It was so hard to keep my mind on my golf. I knew she was watching out for me and it's an amazing feeling to play that well down the stretch."
Webster won only his second Tour title following success at the Italian Open in 2005.
He started the day one shot behind Argentina's Daniel Vancsik but went into the joint lead on the outward nine before taking charge on the inbound nine following an eagle at the 12th.
Three more birdies in the next five holes sent him clear and despite shooting a bogey on the last, his 64 was still the lowest closing round by a winner all year.
Karlsson also impressed, shooting a 65 himself, while Lee Westwood, Vancsik and two more Swedes, Peter Hanson and Fredrik Andersson Hed finshed tied for third on 19 under.
