Rain in Spain does not affect Garcia

Sergio Garcia continued his love affair with Real Club Valderrama as he cruised to a four-shot victory at the weatheraffected Andalucia Valderrama Masters yesterday to defend his title successfully.

After a series of weather delays in southern Spain forced tournament organisers to reduce the event to three rounds on Saturday, another suspension on Sunday meant the final round had to be completed yesterday, with tournament host Garcia leading by three shots after seven holes.

The Ryder Cup star put the finishing touches to his closing 69 on day five to win the event for the third time.

Irishman Shane Lowry finished four shots behind in second after carding seven birdies and a double bogey in his final-round 66.

Garcia said: “It’s amazing to be able to win here at Valderrama three times. This golf course is so challenging and to be able to go out there in the conditions we played in and shoot three rounds under par means a lot.”

Seven-time European Tour winner Gonzalo FernandezCastano secured his playing privileges for 2019 after finishing in a tie for fifth on four under par to move into the top 116 in the Race to Dubai rankings.

Scot Richie Ramsay also kept his card after finishing in a share of 11th, with David Horsey claiming the final place.