Walldürn-Neusaß/Germany – It was a dramatic final phase of this 13th tournament of the 2019 Pro Golf Tour season: for two days Romain Vallaeys had led the competition and tamed the extremely demanding par 72 golf course of the GC Glashofen-Neusaß with rounds of 66 and 69 strokes. With a two stroke advantage over Robbie van West the tour rookie teed off for the final round, and he was in true believe he was also leading on this third and final day without a break. Although the gap melted after a birdie of the Dutchman on hole 17 Vallaeys thought to go to the 18th tee box leading by a stroke - and all of a sudden found himself one stroke behind Robbie van West!

What had happened? At hole 15, Vallaey's caddy had breached rule 10.2 when he was in direct extension of the putt line after his player had already taken his stance position. The result: a two stroke penalty and a particularly bitter double bogey for the man from Vallauris; this fact tournament director Simon Bowler had to tell him on the 17th green.

"Suddenly I was not a stroke back but one in the front," said Robbie van West, completely surprised by the new situation as well. "Of course I was very sorry for Romain," said van West, "that was more than unfortunate."

But still he was very happy about this victory which he fixed on his belt just some minutes later playing par on hole 18. Robbie van West had convinced the whole week with a strong iron game, smart tactics and excellent putts. "My long game was not perfect, but I made no big mistakes and played well around the greens," the champion said. In particular the front nine of the par 72 course he had under impressive control, scored a total 11 under par there in the three rounds of the event.

"A tournament victory was my minimum goal this year!"