Schwartzel wins Madrid Masters
Charl Schwartzel sealed a fine victory in the Madrid Masters after producing a bogey free final round of 66 at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid for a 19 under par total of 199.
The South African finished three shots clear of Ricardo Gonzalez after a five under par round in Spain clinched his third European Tour title.
Having started the day 14 under, the South African picked up shots at both par fives on the front nine, the fourth and the seventh.
Schwartzel posted consecutive birdies at the 13th and 14th and when he picked up another shot at the 17th it spelled the end for those trying to overhaul him at the top of the leaderboard.
Schwartzel had admitted to feeling ill during the week and struggled with a shoulder problem during the second round but he said he felt better after lifting the title.
"I played very well again today," said the 24 year old. "I woke up this morning and felt a lot better than I have been feeling.
"I thought I grinded it out nicely all week. I just managed to keep it going today."
For Schwartzel this was his third European Tour victory in his 145th European Tour event and his first since the Open de España in 2007, which was also held in Madrid.
And he admitted he was glad he took his father's advice on Friday to not withdraw from the competition.
He had considered pulling out because of a shoulder problem and a virus, but persevered following a telephone conversation with his father George.
"I spoke to my Dad and he told me to tee off and see how I feel," he said.
"I haven't felt great. I had a shoulder problem and some sort of flu bug which has been going around - several other players on The Tour have had it.
"I've been waking up in the mornings feeling achy and sore and not having any energy, but this morning I actually felt a bit better and I'm glad I kept my swing going the way it has been the past three days."
Gonzalez parred his first eight holes but recorded back to back birdies around the turn and eventually signed for a three under par 68 which left him 16 under.
The third player in the leading group, Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal, enjoyed the brightest start of the trio, posting birdies at the second and fourth to reach 13 under, but he then dropped a shot at the sixth.
Another four birdies and three bogeys left him heading toward a tie for third but he produced a birdie at the last to finsih 15 under and a shot ahead of his compatriot Alvaro Quiros, who hit an impressive 64 today, and England’s Robert Rock - whose 64 would have been even better had it not been for a disastrous tee shot at the last which only went 70 yards and led to a bogey.
Rock was delighted with his final position and a performance which comprised scores of 70, 65, 71 and 64.
"I played great the front nine," he said.
"I made a real mistake on the tenth - it was a wrong decision from the tee.
"But I'm absolutely happy with how I've done. My goal for the week was to finish in the top ten and it's great.
"I have to check if I've secured my card. Next week is also important but if I play half decent, I'll get it done."
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