ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Paul Waring shot a 6-under 66 to capture the Abu Dhabi Championship on Sunday, marking the biggest win of his career.
Ranked 229th in the world, the English golfer started the final round one stroke ahead and finished at 24 under par. Waring admitted he was surprised at how smoothly the day unfolded.
“It was quite an easy day, really. It just means so much,” the 39-year-old said. “I’m really proud of how I managed myself out there and stayed in control.”
He finished two shots ahead of fellow Englishman Tyrrell Hatton, who posted a 64 with eight birdies, and three strokes ahead of Thorbjorn Olesen (66), Rory McIlroy (64), and Matt Wallace (63), who all tied for third.
This victory was Waring’s second DP World Tour title, achieved on his 332nd appearance and six years after his first win at the Nordea Masters.
Waring also set a record for the lowest 36-hole score to par in European Tour history, with his 19-under score over the first two rounds at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Links.
Looking ahead, Waring now faces the exciting challenge of playing as a dual member of both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour.
“I’ve been happy living in Dubai, but I’m looking forward to the new challenge. It’ll be a long commute to America, but I’m excited,” he said.
Sunday’s victory also earned him a spot in next year’s Open Championship.
