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.