Oosthuizen another first time winner in Europe.

South African Louis Oosthuizen put four runners-up finishes behind him to land his first European Tour title.

And with victory in the Open de Andalucia de Golf in Malaga comes a return trip to Augusta for the Masters Tournament in two weeks. The 27 year old had to win to climb into The World's Top 50.

With a closing three under par 67 Oosthuizen won by three from England's Richard Finch and Scot Peter Whiteford.

He did it in impressive fashion, taking over at the top with a second day 63 and closing with rounds of 66 and 67 for a 17 under aggregate of 263.

After being drenched in champagne by fellow countryman Thomas Aiken and then kissing his wife and three month old daughter Jana he said: "I was quite nervous down the stretch and very nervous on the 18th tee.

"I just decided to hit it as hard as I could."

He added: “Now I want to stay in the top 50 and be competitive every time I play.”

There was 9 Irish in the field and 8 made the cut.The best of them was Michael Hoey,Simon Thornton and Gareth Maybin.They all finished in a tie for 36th on 3 under par and winning €6,500 each.

Paul McGinley promised so much when he was 6 under after 36 holes.He faded over the weekend with a 74/70 to finish in 45th on -2.He won his first cheque since his knee operation of €4,900.

Darren Clarke closed with a 69 for a share of 52nd and win €3,900.Shane Lowry also closed with a 69.His +2 result gave him a share of 64th and a cheque for €2,150.

Peter Lawrie +6 won €1,477 in 77th place and Gary Murphy +8 was 81st and won €1,468.

Damien McGrane was unlucky to miss the 36 hole cut by a shot.He took a 73 in the first round with a triple bogey at the 18th.He rallied well in the second round with a 68 but still found himself with the weekend off.