Moritz Lampert Wins Inaugural Azerbaijan Golf Challenge Open
A German sensation, who has been wowing crowds on the European Challenge Tour, began his final day of play at the Azerbaijan Golf Challenge Open five strokes behind the leader. But, Moritz Lampert’s remarkable achievement of 16 birdies and four eagles helped him finish the tournament 16 under par to take the win away from challenger Michael Lorenzo-Vera from France, in the end. This marks Lambert’s third Challenge Tour title for the season, cementing his position as a player to keep an eye on during the European Tour.
The 26-year old was awarded a gold loving cup and a cheque for €48,000 from Anar Mammadov, President of the Azerbaijan Golf Federation and prominent Azerbaijani businessman. Anar Mammadov stated that the tournament held at the newly constructed Azerbaijan National Golf Club is just the beginning of the significant events which Azerbaijan will host in the future. He thanked the golfers who took part in the tournament and invited other tournaments to consider the National Golf Club as a desirable venue.
Also in attendance was Alain de Soultrait, the President of the European Challenge Tour, who said that Azerbaijan is the 45th country on the Tour and he believed the Azerbaijan Golf Federation and the National Golf Club in Guba did an excellent job, especially since the facility is less than two years old.
With this win, Moritz Lampert moves ahead of England’s Andrew Johnston to the top of the rankings. The next time fans will see Lampert play will be at the first “Made in Denmark” tournament on the European Tour later this month.
The Azerbaijan Golf Challenge Open was the first world-class tournament at the National Golf Club, the country’s first 18-hole golf course, which opened in September, 2013. Anar Mammadov and the Azerbaijan Golf Federation worked tirelessly to bring the prestigious European Tour event to the country and to host the 156 top-tier golfers from around the world. Now on the Tour’s official calendar of events, the Azerbaijan Golf Challenge Open will be held in Guba again next year.
Part of the mission of the Azerbaijan Golf Federation is to use high-profile events such as this year’s tournament to highlight the country as a tourist destination, where golf is offered on a professional grade course along with five-star hotel accommodations and the finest culinary and cultural offerings. International media coverage of the tournament agreed that the venue was exceptional with a wide variety of amenities. The Anar Mammadov Pinterest page includes more information.
