Haugschlag, Austria – Jean Bekirian is the winner of the Haugschlag NÖ Open by perfect eagle 2024. The Frenchman, who had landed among the top ten in five of the first six tournaments of the current season, also found his top form at the Haugschlag Resort in Lower Austria. On an exciting final day with several lead changes, the 21-year-old ultimately prevailed with a two-stroke lead over Yente van Doren (Belgium). Third place was secured by James Meyer de Beco (also from Belgium). Bekirian, who struggled on the Challenge Tour last year but missed retaining his status, celebrated his fourth victory on the Pro Golf Tour.

Bekirian started the third round tied for the lead with compatriot Claude Churchward and German Michael Hirmer. Nine other players were within three strokes of the leading trio. Therefore, it was not surprising that the final of the first tournament on the European continent this season was characterized by many changes at the top. Hirmer had the best start, before Slovenian Tadeas Tetak took over, who was shortly after joined by German top amateur Carl Siemens. Then came the impressive surge from van Doren, who recorded two birdies and an eagle at the beginning of the back nine, and at one point even managed to put two strokes between himself and the pursuers.

Leaderboard: All results at a glance

Order of Merit of the 2024 Season

However, the Belgian's attempt to break away was not successful, as Bekirian gradually found his rhythm after a cautious start to the round. Five birdies between holes eight and 14 brought him back to the top, before three pars and a closing birdie sealed the victory. In the end, the recipient of the winner's check amounting to 5,000 euros recorded scores of 66, 67, and 65 strokes over the three rounds (total -15).

Comfort zone Austria

Austria is a good place for the Frenchman with Armenian roots. Before his triumph, he had finished the tournament in Haugschlag in second place in 2019 and 2020, and he also won in St. Pölten two years ago. "I love the mountains and eat schnitzel twice a day," Bekirian joked. "Seriously though, I really like the venue here. The courses are always in excellent condition and among the best throughout the season."

"It's going very well for me this season," he continued. "Last year was tough for me on the Challenge Tour because I had problems with my nose and underwent a major operation. I used to be a boxer, so the pains came from that. Now I'm healthy again and happy with how I'm playing. I'm striking the ball very well, and this week I was able to capitalize on my chances on the greens."

With his first win of the season, Bekirian climbs to the top of the Order of Merit. The top five are completed by Meyer de Beco, van Doren, Aydan Verdonk (Netherlands), and Hirmer.

After a short break, the aces of the Pro Golf Tour will tee off again in Lower Austria. From May 7, 2024, the Raiffeisen Pro Golf Tour St. Pölten 2024 is on the schedule.