Sergio Garcia claimed his first European Tour title since 2005 at the Castello Masters, securing his victory by three shots, and dedicating his victory to Seve Ballasteros.
Ballesteros, 51, is seriously ill in hospital following three operations on a brain tumour.
“I couldn’t help but think about Seve,” said Garcia. “I’m sending all my love to him and his family and hope he recovers soon.
“I hope this victory helps him to get a little better.”
Garcia, the host of the tournament on the course where he learnt his trade – commenced the final day with a four-shot lead and was rarely troubled even after an early scare.
Despite starting with a birdie, the Spaniard saw his advantage cut to just one when his playing partner Peter Hedblom picked up shots at the first four holes.
Garcia, beginning to look a little nervous and being watched by relations, friends and neighbours, hit a bogey on the short sixth, he was briefly caught by Hedblom.
He responded with back-to-back birdies and immediately re-established his lead.
The cushion over Hedblom was still two standing on the 17th tee, but Hedblom missed a five-foot par putt which ended the Swede’s challenge.
With both men ending the 18th with a par, although his worst round of the week, Garcia’s 67 was good enough to earn him the third of a €1,000,000 first prize.
“It feels absolutely awesome,” said Garcia. “I didn’t play amazing and when Peter had such a great start I thought these guys were not making it easy for me.
Oliver Fisher failed to make the cut, having started Friday at one under par, he looked in good shape on the front nine but hit back to back bogeys leaving him just missing out on the weekend’s play.
Oliver Fisher Results
Round Scores = 70 – 73
Position = T67
Par = +1
Prize Money = €0
Volvo Masters Club de Golf Valderrama Sotogrande, Cadiz, Spain.
