Dubai-based Adrian Otaegui (Spain) shot rounds of 66, 66, 68 and 66 to finish 14 under par and in sole second place in the $2 million ISPS Handa Championship in Spain, one shot behind champion Pablo Larrazabal (Spain), in this the 12th of 45 events on the 2022 DP World Tour International Schedule.
Larrazabal is a local UAE fan favourite having won the 2014 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, where he is an Honorary Member.
Otaegui, playing in the final three-ball of the day in the final round, shot an impressive three birdies in his first five holes, but could only manage one more birdie on the 72nd hole.
In the four rounds, Otaegui only dropped shots on five holes, four bogeys and a double around the 6,963 yards, Par 70, Lakes Course, Infinitum, Tarragona, Spain.
Eagle chance
The 29 year-old gave himself an eagle chance at the last, which would have forced a play-off, but was unable to convert and had to settle for a birdie and a bogey free 66.
“It’s been a great day, no bogeys, holed a few par putts, played really well, lots of shots to the pin,” said Otaegui.
“I think I did a great job and congratulations to Pablo - an amazing round. It was windy out there. I am really happy. Of course, over 72 holes there has been good, and not that good, shots but I think I did the right thing. 13 was a birdie hole but couldn’t make it. I need to have some rest now and get ready for next week. I came in playing very well and this week I just played well, so I’m enjoying myself a lot at the moment.”
With this runner-up finish Otaegui wins €202,831.86 and moves up 25 places to 17th place in the season long 2022 DP World Tour Rankings.
A. Otaegui (Spain) 66. 66. 68. 66. 14 under par.
H. Du Plessi (RSA) 64. 70. 66. 67. 13 under par.
A. Cockerill (Can) 69. 69. 62. 67. 13 under par.
A. Rozner (Fr) 67. 68. 66. 67. 12 under par.
H. Li (China) 71. 68. 64. 67. 10 under par.
