Andreas Harto Wins Challenge Tour Event in Czech Republic

Wilson Staff Advisory Member Andreas Hartø sealed his third European Challenge Tour title in stunning fashion as the Dane finished with four spectacular birdies to see off the brave challenge of his compatriot Joachim B Hansen and win the inaugural D+D Real Czech Challenge Open.

His consistently competitive play throughout the week advanced him to a total 24-under par and a three-stroke victory over second place and six-strokes over third place.

In the most dramatic of finales at Kunetická Hora Golf Club, Hartø was put under intense pressure on the closing holes as Hansen, playing one group in front, birdied four holes in a row just after the turn to move into a share of the lead with his fellow Dane.
Hartø kept his best until last however, as a birdie at the 15th was followed by a superb up and down at the par five 16th for birdie, having found the rough with his first two shots.

Incredibly, there was better to come at the par three 17th as the 24 year old produced a moment of pure golf magic to the delight of the watching crowds, rolling in a birdie putt from over 50 feet to extend his lead to two.
Despite the pressure on Championship Sunday, Hartø was engaging with the fans all the way through, sharing jokes and talking to kids, and he gave them a fitting finale when he rolled in a 15 foot birdie putt at the last to sign for a seven under par round of 65 and claim a three-shot victory.

“I’m just really happy,” said the Copenhagen native, who moved to second place in the Challenge Tour Rankings, just €125 short of leader Gary Lockerbie. “It’s a bit of a relief too because I have been chasing that victory all year and this week everything just came together for me.

“I played extremely well and the finish I had was just massive. Those putts at 16 and 17 were huge. I just wanted to get the putt on 17 close. It looked good all the way and I couldn’t believe when it went in. It was big because it meant I could just play safe on 18 with a two shot lead.

The 24-year youngster turned professional in 2010, and drew global attention by quickly capturing two out of his first four Challenge Tour events. Since signing a contract with Wilson Staff in January 2011, his FG Tour V2 irons have helped him win his third Challenge Tour tournament, as well as three top ten finishes this year in two other Challenge Open tournaments.

“Thanks to this dominant victory by Andreas Hartø, it’s evident that Wilson Staff continues to make truly performing-enhancing equipment, and that our brand prides itself in helping players become champions,” commented Doug Wright, Commercial Director Wilson Golf EMEA. “We’re excited to activate young, vibrant players like Hartø, and we believe in his longevity and future success.”

For information on Wilson Golf visit: www.wilsonstaff.com