Ricardo Santos wins The Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award
Ricardo Santos is delighted that his efforts have finally paid him off, as the Portuguese became the only player in the history of the European Tour to rack up The Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award.
Santos enjoyed a great run of form during his debut season on the European Tour, having recorded four top-25 finishes, including a win at the Madeira Islands Open at Santo da Serra.
The victory also marked him as the second Portuguese player in the history of the game to record a victory on the tier-one European Tour.
Exactly 20 years ago, Daniel Silva became the first player to taste success on the tour, after winning the Jersey Open.
Santos carded a 63 in the final round of the Madeira Islands Open, to record an impressive come-from-behind victory. It was the lowest score posted by a winner in the final round during the 2012 European Tour season.
Right after finishing his campaign in Portugal, he dedicated his win to his daughter, Victoria, and his wife, Rita.
At the time of his name being called for The Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award, he was thrilled to become the 48th winner of the prestigious title.
“It’s an honour to become the first Portuguese player to win the Rookie of the Year award,” he said.
“When you look at some of the players who have won the award in the past, it’s a real privilege to see my name next to theirs on the trophy. It’s been an amazing season, and to end it be winning the award is more than I could have dreamed of”.
Talking to the European Tour’s official website, he expressed his plans for the 2013 season. He said that he will try to earn another victory on the tour, and a berth in, at least, one of the four major golf championships of the season.
“The goal for 2013 is to win again on The European Tour, and to play my first Major. This award has given me the confidence to go and achieve my goals,” he said.
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