Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen has blasted his way into the DP World Tour, clinching his third victory of the season at the Big Green Egg German Challenge.
Coming from behind by six shots at the start of the final round, Neergaard-Petersen delivered a sensational eight-under-par 64, finishing at 15 under par overall, nudging ahead of fellow Dane John Axelsen and Scotland’s Daniel Young at Wittelsbacher Golfclub.
Neergaard-Petersen, the first player since England’s Aaron Rai in 2017 to win three times in a regular Challenge Tour season, expressed his exhilaration: “I really can’t explain how I am feeling right now,” he said.
“It all clicked today and I never thought it would be possible to shoot eight under par on this course. My round was as perfect as a golf round could be.”
His performance on the course reflected a strategic calmness and precision. “I did a good job at staying in the present on each hole and the way I responded to my only bogey at 14 was really impressive. Anything is possible in this game and I’m so happy,” he recounted.
Reflecting on his goals and the unexpected trajectory of his season, Neergaard-Petersen shared his initial aspirations and the surprising outcome: “My goal at the start of the season was to finish in the top 20 but I could never have imagined my season would go the way it did.
It’s been an awesome year and the Challenge Tour has been a great learning ground for me and I’ve developed a lot as a professional golfer,” he added.
Praising the role of the Challenge Tour in his career, Neergaard-Petersen highlighted its significance in reaching the DP World Tour: “The Challenge Tour is such a good platform for us to get on to the DP World Tour,” he said.
“You see how successful the graduates have been down the years and that gives me a huge amount of confidence.”
With enthusiasm for his future, Neergaard-Petersen is looking forward to the remainder of the season on the DP World Tour: “I’m so excited to play on the DP World Tour for the rest of the season.
It’s going to be a special experience and I’m going to enjoy myself as much as possible. Hopefully I will have time to celebrate this victory first.”
The leaderboard also saw Italian Pietro Bovari clinch fourth place at 13 under par, while a group including Englishman Tom Shadbolt and Italian Gregorio de Leo finished closely in fifth.
Neergaard-Petersen now leads the Road to Mallorca Rankings, with Daniel Young advancing to 26th after his runner-up finish.
The tour’s journey continues in Portugal with the Open de Portugal at Royal Óbidos from September 12-15, 2024, where Neergaard-Petersen will aim to maintain his exceptional form.
