Pablo Martin wins 1st European Tour event of 2010.

Spaniard Pablo Martin created more European Tour history by winning the Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa.

Two years after becoming the first amateur to win on The European Tour, the 23 year old is now the only one to capture titles both as an amateur and a professional.

Martin, ranked 488th in the world at the start of the tournament, was in the depths of despair about his game after missing the first seven cuts of this year. He now ends 2009 on a real high after beating home hope and former winner Charl Schwartzel by a single stroke in a tense finish.

It was only on the final day of last season that Martin made sure of keeping his European Tour card, but he is now exempt until the end of 2012 - and €158,500 richer.

The Malaga golfer had had only one top ten finish since his triumph at the Estoril Open de Portugal, but with a closing three under par 69 he held off the charging Schwartzel to win with a 17 under total.

"It's an unbelievable feeling," he said. "I am so happy and there was so much emotion today."

Gareth Maybin made a great start to the season when he finished joint 4th on 12 under par.It could have been 2 shots better as he took a 7 at the par 5,18th after finding water with his 3rd shot.He collected a cheque for 38,825 Euros.

Damien McGrane could only manage a closing round of level par 72 to finish in joint 8th on -11 and pick up 21,933 Euros.

Shane Lowry who is looking forward to his first full year as a Professional played well to finish in 17th on 7 under with a closing 69.He won 11,712 Eiros to kick start his year.

Michael Hoey had his usual up and down week and finished in 44th on -1 after a final round of 74 to win 5,300 Euros.

Gary Murphy looking for a quick start to the new season after a visit to the qualifying school missed the cut by 6 shots with scores of 72/77 +5.