Thomas Sundström representing Finland made up a 5 shot deficit over Floris De Vries from Holland (playing in his first Tournament as a Professional) to secure a play-off spot in the “Hi5 Protour Sojuela Open” in the Rioja region of Spain.

Thomas hit a superb approach into the green of the first play-off hole and made an easy 2 Putt to win his first Hi5 Protour event.
The day started with a one hour delay because of fog but all the Members enjoyed the excitement of seeing the leading groups coming down the straight and the following play-off.

Floris De Vries will surely learn from this event and has a big golfing future ahead of him. The more experienced Thomas said after his win ” It was great to win again! It’s been a while. Great golf course that suited my game. Thanks to everyone in the Rioja for putting together two great weeks of competitive golf. The wine, food and people have been great. Also thanks to Hi5 for putting together a competitive winter golf tour for the guys. I will go back and use this to kick start my season on a Hi!”

Nige German paid thanks on behalf of the Hi5 Protour staff to all the players for their support this year. Next years planning is already under way and we wish every player a great 2009 season with lot’s of Hi5’s!!

John Blanks from England played an incredible back nine of 29 shots to win the inaugural Hi5 Pro Tour Rioja Alta Open. Finishing with a combined score of 207 ( -9 ) he closed out his first professional win over Morten Hedegaard representing Denmark by 5 shots.

After his win John commented :

“The 68 I shot on day two put me in a great position to win my first event as a Pro . I didn’t start as I had hoped by 3 putting the second hole , missing a 2 foot put on four and 3 putting 6 to finish the front nine 3 over for today. I still new I was swinging the club well and was still only 3 shots off the lead at that point. Be patient I said to myself and then I chipped in for eagle at 10 and ended up playing the back nine in 10 fewer shots than the front 29 !!!!!. I have been here for the last 2 weeks practising and have been made to feel at home here in the Rioja . The Club have been so friendly . It was a pleasure to play with Morten for two out of the three rounds and that helped . ”

Thanks from the Hi5 Protour must go to all at the Club for making the event a great success in its first year . Also thanks go to its sponsors Thomas Sabo, Centauro Cars , Bodegas Riojanas , Embutidos Martinez and Husa Hotels.

Next week the Rioja swing continues at the Club de Golf Sojuela.

Morten Hedegaard and Jakob Espelund from Denmark share the lead after round 1 of the La Rioja Alta Open near Logrono Spain. Both players carded rounds of 2 under on the 6466 meter long course. Hedegaard after the round said he hit the ball solid all day but missed many birdie chances but feels confident going into the next 2 days. His countryman Jakob Espelund had 4 birdies on his day but had bogeys on 8 and 13 to tie his Danish colleauge. Ramsus Hjelm (DEN) and John Blanks (ENG) are both 1 shot back at -1.

All players are totally impressed with the terrific condition of the course presented at La Rioja Alta as the Hi5 pro tour finds itself for the first time in the famous wine area.