Italy’s Ludovico Addabbo claimed his first professional victory with a composed and commanding performance at the MENA Golf Tour season opener in Portugal, closing with a bogey-free round at PGA Aroeira to finish 18-under parand secure a three-shot win.
After sharing the lead following the opening round, Addabbo stayed patient and in control throughout the week before delivering his best when it mattered most in Thursday’s final round. Starting the day with a narrow one-shot lead, the Italian quickly settled any nerves with back-to-back birdies at the second and third holes.
From there, he never looked back.
Addabbo added five more birdies on his outward nine and produced the moment of the tournament on the par-four 17th hole, chipping in for birdie to all but seal the title in front of a strong crowd at PGA Aroeira. A calm closing par on 18 completed a flawless bogey-free 65, underlining his status as one of the Tour’s most promising emerging talents.
“I’m so happy,” said Addabbo after being embraced by fellow Italian players on the final green. “I expected to be very nervous at the end, but I was less than I thought. I focused on breathing and staying in the present, and it worked.”
Portuguese favourite Pedro Figueiredo finished runner-up on 15-under, producing a spectacular eagle from off the green on the 17th to edge Scotland’s Sebastian Sandin into third place. Sandin, who topped the leaderboard after round one, stayed in contention throughout the week before a late trio of bogeys halted his charge.
The victory earns Addabbo a winner’s cheque of $18,000 from the event’s $100,000 prize fund, as well as vital Official World Golf Ranking points and early momentum in what promises to be a competitive MENA Golf Tour season.
Praise all round
MENA Golf Tour Chairman and Commissioner Keith Waters praised both the champion and the host venue following the event.
“Ludovico handled the pressure like a true champion,” said Waters. “To produce the joint-lowest round of the day under those conditions was something special. The way the Italian players celebrated with him on the final green really captured the spirit of this Tour. I’d also like to thank the team at PGA Aroeira for doing a superb job in preparing the course after heavy rain earlier in the week.”
The PGA Aroeira Challenge was the first of 12 events on the 2025/26 MENA Golf Tour season calendar. The Tour now remains in Portugal for the Rolear Algarve Classic at Amendoeira (2–4 December), before heading to Egypt for a four-event stretch in January and February.
With guaranteed prize funds, rapid 48-hour payouts and OWGR points, the MENA Golf Tour continues to provide a clear professional pathway for established pros and emerging players alike.
Final Leaderboard:
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Ludovico Addabbo (ITA) – -18
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Pedro Figueiredo (POR) – -15
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Sebastian Sandin (SCO) – -13
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Toby Hunt (WAL) – -12
