Jonathan Gøth-Rasmussen held his nerve to secure victory at the Challenge de Cádiz and join his father in the Challenge Tour winner’s circle.
The Dane posted a three under par round of 69 to reach 15 under for the week and claim a one-shot win over Irishman Gary Hurley on a dramatic final day at Iberostar Real Golf Novo Sancti Petri.
The 2016 Junior Ryder Cup player made a slow start to the final day with a bogey at the first but bounced back with three birdies to make the turn at two under par. He made another gain at the 11th hole before parring his way to a maiden Challenge Tour victory in Cádiz.
The 26-year-old is the son of former Challenge Tour winner Jacob Rasmussen, who won the Torneo RCG de Sevilla in 1993, and he was delighted to triumph in the same country as his father.
“It feels amazing right now. It’s been a long day and I was very nervous out there so I am relieved to get the job done. I felt the pressure on the last three holes because they were very tough and the greens are firm.
“I was aggressive off of the tee all day but I still had to rely on my short game to get me out of trouble on a few occasions.
“I saw Gary Hurley was going low and I was kept updated which increased the pressure. I was sweating right up until I saw that final putt drop and it was very exciting. I’m proud to get my first victory on the Challenge Tour.
“It is great to replicate my dad and it’s amazing to have two Challenge Tour winners in the family now. I have been coming down to the South of Spain all of my life for family holidays and I love this part of the world. I love the courses and it feels very nice to win here.
“This is definitely the best achievement of my career so far. Getting my DP World Tour card at Qualifying School was pretty special but this definitely tops it. I’m going to fly home tonight and celebrate with a few beers tomorrow.”
Swede Christofer Rahm and South African Deon Germishuys finished in a tie for third on 12 under par, while Christofer Blomstrand of Sweden, Spaniard David Borda and French duo Pierre Pineau and Alexander Levy were a shot further back in fifth.
Gøth-Rasmussen climbs 95 places to 16th on the Road to Mallorca Rankings on 358 points. Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen remains in pole position on 1,043 points, while John Parry is 401 points behind in second.
The Road to Mallorca now heads to the Czech Republic for the Kaskáda Golf Challenge, taking place at Golf Resort Kaskáda from June 13-16, 2024.
