Former Ryder Cup player Chris Wood has captured his first MENA Golf Tour title with a commanding performance at the Rolear Algarve Classic in Portugal, finishing at 16-under-par after a final round 67.
The 38-year-old Englishman demonstrated exceptional form throughout the 54-hole tournament at Amendoeira Golf Resort’s O’Connor Course, dropping just a single bogey all week to hold off a spirited challenge from Scotland’s Aidan O’Hagan by one stroke.
Dominant Display From Start to Finish
Wood, who began the final day with a slender one-shot advantage, played 52 holes without a blemish before his lone bogey at the 17th on Thursday. His consistency proved decisive as O’Hagan mounted a late charge that fell just short, missing a playoff-forcing putt on the 18th green.
“To finish my season with a win is amazing,” said Wood, who earned $18,000 from the $100,000 prize fund. “I felt very in control today, so yeah, I’m really pleased.”
O’Hagan, just 21 years old, matched Wood’s final round 67 to finish alone in second at 15-under, gaining valuable experience pushing a former DP World Tour winner to the final hole.
Schmitt Fires Course-Record 63
Germany’s Max Schmitt stole the show on the final day, carding a bogey-free nine-under 63 to set a new course record and surge into third place at 13-under-par. The spectacular round featured nine birdies after struggling with his putter in the opening rounds.
The victory marks a significant milestone for the relaunched MENA Golf Tour, which continues to attract high-quality fields featuring former DP World Tour winners and emerging talent competing for substantial prize funds and Official World Golf Ranking points.
The Tour now heads to Egypt for four events beginning in January 2025 before moving to Morocco, as the regional circuit builds momentum in its restructured format.
For more golf news and tournament updates from the Middle East and beyond, visit www.menawgolftour.com
