Yurav Premlall achieved his first major success at RCG El Prat with a commanding win at the Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship.
The Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship witnessed a historic moment this Sunday as young South African golfer Yurav Premlall delivered a stunning performance, securing his first DP World Tour victory in his debut year on the circuit. He triumphed in grand style in front of a passionate crowd that turned out for the first of five upcoming tournaments in Catalonia, ahead of the highly anticipated 2031 Ryder Cup at Camiral Golf.
Premlall defeated his nearest rival, fellow South African Shaun Norris, by an incredible 14 strokes—the largest margin of victory in DP World Tour history. Only Tiger Woods’ 15-stroke win at the 2000 US Open stands as a bigger gap in professional golf. Prior to Premlall’s feat, the largest wins included Ernie Els’ 13-stroke victory at the 2005 BMW Asian Open, Retief Goosen’s 13-stroke triumph at the 2002 Johnnie Walker Classic, Tiger Woods’ 12-stroke win at the 1997 Masters, and Charl Schwartzel’s 12-stroke victory at the 2013 Alfred Dunhill Championship (played in December 2012).
The young South African celebrates victory with arms raised on the 18th green in a historic DP World Tour triumph.
**No Rival on Sunday at RCG El Prat**
Entering the final round with a five-shot lead, Premlall faced no challenge during the last 18 holes of the Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship. He matched his previous day’s course-record 63 (-9), solidifying his dominance. The victory propelled him to 26th place in the Race to Dubai rankings and lifted him from 598th to 244th in the world rankings.
Rafa Cabrera Bello was one of the standout Spanish players at RCG El Prat, finishing in sixth place.
“I’m lost for words. I’ve worked incredibly hard to get here, and it’s so rewarding to finally see the results,” said Premlall. The date held special meaning: May 10 is Mother’s Day in South Africa. After lifting the trophy, he dedicated his win to his mother. “Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!” he said, also expressing gratitude to his father and entire team. “There’s not much I can say. My whole team, everyone who supports me, my whole family… it’s so rewarding to be up here and thank everyone for being part of this journey.”
With Premlall’s victory, South African golf has now claimed its fifth title of the season on the DP World Tour.
Damm General Manager Jorge Vilavecchia presented the first Estrella Damm cup to the tournament champion.
**South Africa’s 181st DP World Tour Title**
The previous four wins came consecutively for Jayden Schaper (Alfred Dunhill Championship and AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open) and Casey Jarvis (Magical Kenya Open presented by absa and Investec South Africa Open Championship). Premlall secured South Africa’s 181st title in DP World Tour history and now leads the European Swing standings.
The strong performances of Alejandro del Rey, Rafa Cabrera Bello, and Eugenio Chacarra at the Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship have immediately reflected in the Race to Dubai rankings, underscoring the excellent form of Spanish golf on the DP World Tour. After the tournament at El Prat, seven Spaniards sit among the top 50: David Puig (12th), Eugenio Chacarra (16th), Nacho Elvira (17th), Jorge Campillo (20th), Ángel Ayora (22nd), Alejandro del Rey (37th), and Rafa Cabrera Bello (46th).
Thousands of fans enjoyed the four days of competition at RCG El Prat.
The Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship, a DP World Tour event counting toward the Race to Dubai and the first leg of the European Swing, was made possible thanks to the support of Damm and the Catalan Golf Federation.
