Bateman Wins First 888poker.com PGA Europro Tour Title At Buildbase Open

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Matchroom Sport

30 Jun, 2013, 17:12 GMT

BRENTWOOD, England, June 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

New Zealander had missed all four previous cuts on tour

Harry Bateman claimed his first professional victory when he won the 888poker.com PGA EuroPro Tour's Buildbase Open on Sunday.

The New Zealander carded a final round 69, three under par, to win by one stroke from Scott Campbell and claim the £10,000 winner's prize and a brand new Motocaddy trolley at Frilford Heath Golf Club in Oxfordshire.

Bateman (Royal Wellington Golf Club) had begun the day two strokes behind overnight leader Tom Wilde, an amateur who finished the week six under par as one of six players tied 18th following a final round 77.

This is the 22 year old's debut season on the 888poker.com PGA EuroPro Tour but he had missed each of the previous four cuts on tour, despite doing well in Qualifying School at Frilford Heath in April.

"I was surprisingly calm," said Bateman of his final round. "I thought I would be a lot more nervous but I felt the same the whole day from start to finish. It isn't a bad way to finish when I make my first cut!

"I found something just before the tournament with my swing, it was really consistent and I stuck with it all week and putted so well. The greens here were amazing, probably the best I have seen since I have come over to the UK, and I holed everything.

"It is a good base to build from quite early in the season. A few more good results and you can get onto the Challenge Tour, so this is pretty big for me."

Runner-up Campbell (Hallowes) birdied the last two holes to sign for a final-round 69 but earlier bogeys at three and 16 restricted him to 11 under for the week.

Richard Wallis (Walmer & KingsdownGolf Club), who won the Kerry London Championship at Burhill Golf Club earlier in the season, finished tied third on nine under after shooting 67, five under, on the final day.

Paul Shields (Kirkhill Golf Club), George Cowan (Westerhope Golf Club), Greg Payne (Chobham Golf Club) and Jack Harrison (Wildwood Golf Club) also finished nine under after 54 holes.

A two-hour highlights package from the Buildbase Open will be broadcast on Sky Sports HD four times on Wednesday,

July 10.