Amateur Martin Couvra completes fairytale weekend on the challenge tour

September 10, 2023 | by European Golf Association

Martin Couvra (Challenge Tour Photo)

Couvra defeated two-time DP World Tour winner Andrea Paven and Dermot McElroy in a playoff to secure the win.

Martin Couvra became the seventh amateur in history to win on the European Challenge Tour after coming out on top in a playoff at the Challenge de España.

The Frenchman posted a final round 5-under 65 at Club de Golf Playa Serena to move to 12 under alongside Italian Andrea Pavan and Northern Irishman Dermot McElroy, who carded an 8-under 62.

Couvra and McElroy parred the first extra hole, with Pavan bowing out after making a bogey. The 20-year-old then prevailed on the second playoff hole after making a par, while McElroy could only make a bogey.

“It’s just an amazing feeling right now,” Couvra said. “I tried to play my best golf, and luckily, it was enough, so I am very happy. I played very well today, and my putter was hot. I made a lot of birdies, and I still can’t believe I managed to win.

“I tried not to look at the scores, but I saw the big leaderboards at some points," Couvra added. "I am so emotional right now, and that is why I play golf. In the playoff, I just tried to concentrate on the simple things.”

Couvra, who became the first European to win all three of South Africa's major amateur titles at the start of the season, has now secured Challenge Tour playing privileges for the rest of the season and beyond, thanks to this career-changing win.

“This changes my whole career because now I have a full category on the Challenge Tour for next season, and I have now climbed the Rankings considerably,” Couvra said.

“I am going to turn professional just after the World Amateur Team Championships with France in Abu Dhabi at the end of the season," Couvra said. "I still have three months left as an amateur, so this win is very special.

“I’m going to play next week in Portugal and just take each week when it comes," Couvra added.

Frenchman Benjamin Hébert, Swede Kristoffer Broberg, Spain’s Lucas Vacarisas, and Englishman Jamie Rutherford shared fourth place on 11-under par, while six players finished a shot further back in eighth, including six-time Challenge Tour winner Ricardo Gouevia and 2019 Challenge Tour Number One Francesco Laporta.

Couvra climbs 126 places to 41st on the Road to Mallorca Rankings, while McElroy jumps 52 places into 56th. Pavan rises four places into sixth position, while South African Casey Jarvis remains at the top of the season-long standings

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