Arnaus wins Catalunya in marathon playoff

May 2nd, 2022 / Anthony Powter

Spain’s Adri Arnaus defeated Oliver Bekker in a six-hole play-off to win his first DP World Tour title at the 2022 Catalunya Championship.

Arnaus, who hails from Barcelona in northeast Spain, trailed overnight leader Bekker by seven shots at the start of the day before firing an impressive final round 7-under 65 to force the playoff with the pair finishing the regulation rounds at 11-under-par.

“Adri Adri Arnaus (Credit: DP World Tour)

In the playoff, Arnaus and Becker made par on five trips to the 18th hole, but when they went to the 17th Bekker’s bogey handed Arnaus the title.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Arnaus, who has five runner-up finishes on the European Tour.

“I’ve been looking for this one for a while. To be able to come through here, where I practice in the summers, they take care of me so well. I know the course quite well. I’ve been able to play some really good golf and to do it here is special.”

ADRI ARNAUS

  • Callaway Rogue ST Triple Diamond Driver (10.5º)
  • Callaway Epic Speed Fairway Wood (15º)
  • Callaway X Forged UT Iron (18º)
  • Callaway Apex Pro Irons (4-5)
  • Callaway Apex MB Irons (6-9)
  • Callaway JAWS MD5 Wedges (46º, 50º, 56º, 60º)
  • Odyssey White Hot Pro V-Line Putter
  • Callaway Chrome Soft X Ball

Arnaus turned professional in late 2017 and reached the final stage of the European Tour Q-School. He had a successful first year as a professional, playing mostly on the Challenge Tour.

He won the end-of-season Challenge Tour Grand Final by a stroke from Victor Perez to finish second in the Order of Merit and earn a place on the 2019 European Tour.

As an amateur he played US Collegiate golf for Texas A&M University and won the 2017 Spanish Amateur.

Sunday’s victory moves Arnaus to a career high 52nd in the world rankings and saw him pocket a handy €322,614.44 in prize money.

Jason Scrivener finished the best of the Australians in a share of 18th position at 4-under-par, with Maverick Antcliff tied for 63rd to be the only other Aussie to make the weekend.

Scott Hend, Wade Ormsby and Zach Murray missed the cut.

The DP World Tour moves to the UK for this week’s British Masters at The Belfry.