portugal masters 20-year-old Englishman equals Tour record and claims £360,000 prize

LESS than a month ago, Tom Lewis was teeing up the first drive of his career as a professional, having been a pivotal member of the victorious GB & I Walker Cup at Royal Aberdeen. Now, after capturing the Portugal Masters in only his third Tour start, the 20-year-old from Welwyn Garden City has the golfing world at his feet.

Lewis – winner also this year of the St Andrews Links Trophy and named after Tom Watson, the eight-time major winner – birdied four holes in succession from the 14th in a round of 65 to win by two strokes with a 21-under par tally. He equals the record held by Spain’s Alejandro Canizares for the fastest win of any rookie – even Tiger Woods had to wait until his fith event as a pro to claim his maiden victory.

However, with a £360,000 first prize cheque and a win that moves him to third place on the Ryder Cup points table, it is world No. 3 Rory McIlroy, and not Woods, who Lewis wants to emulate.

“The good thing is Rory is around my age and I see what a good player he is and what people think of him,” said Lewis. “He’s a really nice guy and he and the other players out here had also been really nice and helpful to me in easing me into the Tour. Hopefully, I can get to know Rory a whole lot better.”

One of the first to congratulate Lewis was European Tour CEO, George O’Grady who said: “Well done and welcome to the European Tour.”

Paul Lawrie finished as the leading Scot, carding a 68 for a 16-under par tally and a share of 12th place.

Lawrie kicked-started his round by holing a 15-footer for eagle at the third and then put a lob-wedge to eight feet for birdie at the next. However, he completed the next 14 holes in just one under par.

It was a sombre day for the Aberdonian, with players, caddies and officials sporting black ribbons in memory of Adam Hunter, Lawrie’s coach when he won the 1999 Open Championship, who passed away aged just 48 on Friday.

“It’s the first time I’ve had to wear a black ribbon for someone who was so close to me. It was a nice touch on behalf of the Tour to see the players and caddies and everyone honouring Adam,” said Lawrie.

The Scot has not yet withdrawn from this week’s Castellon Masters, but will if Hunter’s funeral is later this week, as expected.

Steven O’Hara (67) was the next best of the Scots at 13-under par and one fewer than Fifer Peter Whiteford (71). Colin Montgomerie played his opening nine in 30 but came home in 38 for a 10-under par tally and a share of 44th place.