Guillamoundeguy earns maiden win at Irish Challenge
French talent seizes breakthrough moment to boost Road to Mallorca hopes
Las Vegas - Oihan Guillamoundeguy claimed his first HotelPlanner Tour title with a composed three-stroke victory at the Irish Challenge, closing with a two-under-par 70 at Killeen Castle to finish 11 under for the week.
The 20-year-old Frenchman, who has had his brother on the bag all season, climbed from 15th to sixth in the Road to Mallorca Rankings. With the top 20 graduating to the DP World Tour at the end of the year, his position is now a strong platform for promotion.
“I’m just feeling so proud of myself,” Guillamoundeguy said. “I didn’t play really good but I managed it well with my brother. He’s doing an amazing job and I love him so much. I know I like tough courses and this was a great test of golf. I think I’ve made a big move towards the DP World Tour.”
Guillamoundeguy started three shots off the lead but surged into control with birdies at the sixth, eighth and ninth – the last creating a decisive three-shot swing over Denmark’s Jeppe Kristian Andersen. “On nine when I made a birdie and he made double, I hit one of the most beautiful shots of my golf life. That was the moment I knew I had a good chance,” he said.
Andersen eventually finished third on seven under, one behind Switzerland’s Ronan Kleu. Robert Moran was the leading Irishman in fourth and secured the Christy O’Connor Jnr Memorial Trophy, along with a place in the Amgen Irish Open at The K Club. The Road to Mallorca moves next to Finland for the Vierumäki Finnish Challenge from August 14–17.