Julien Guerrier wins nine-hole playoff to earn first DP World Tour title in Andalucía
Frenchman Julien Guerrier lands his maiden DP World Tour title in his 230th start on the circuit.
Julien Guerrier ended his long wait for a maiden DP World Tour title as he beat Jorge Campillo in a record-equalling nine-hole playoff at the 2024 Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters.
The huge crowds at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande were treated to a thrilling battle between home favourite Campillo and Frenchman Guerrier on Sunday, with the lead changing hands throughout the afternoon before a mammoth playoff was required to break the deadlock after Guerrier holed his clutch 16-foot par putt on the 18th to join his playing partner at 21 under par following 72 holes.
The Frenchman came out on top at the ninth extra hole, nervelessly holing from eight feet to enter the winner's circle for the first time on his 230th start.
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Campillo holed a vital putt at the first playoff hole as he knocked in from range for par to keep the competition alive, before both players parred the second extra hole. Campillo had a seven-foot birdie putt to win at the third playoff hole but sent it just wide.
The fourth, fifth and sixth extra holes were halved in pars, before Guerrier's chip from the rough lipped out on the seventh extra hole. The contest was finally settled on extra hole number nine as Guerrier slotted in his par putt to secure the trophy.
The 38-year-old started the week in 81st spot on the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex, and he has left Sotogrande having climbed 63 places into 18th and earned his place at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship next month.
"I'm feeling great and I can't believe I made it because it's been a really long time I've been waiting for it," said Guerrier.
"We work really hard every week for that but we have to stay patient. I know Jorge Campillo is a great player but today it goes my way so I'm very happy. My game wasn’t in the best shape but my putting was very good and I fought to do my best.
"Over the last putt I was thinking of my kids and they gave me the strength to get over the line. It’s been a long wait and I’m very emotional right now. I have to thank them for supporting me throughout my career.
"French golf is very good right now and seeing the other guys win out here gave me so much belief that my time would come, and I could win. It still hasn’t sunk in, and I will go back home and spend some time with my family to celebrate."
Englishman Daniel Brown finished the week in third position on 19 under par, while countryman Jordan Smith and Denmark’s Rasmus Højgaard were a shot further back in fourth.
Two-time major champion Jon Rahm carded a five under par final round of 67 to climb into solo sixth on 17 under par.
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