Clark Dennis lifts the trophy!

Clark Dennis likes lifting trophies in Mauritius. The American, who 12 months ago was crowned the number one golfer on the 2017 Staysure Tour, this year produced a record-equalling performance on the Legend Course at Constance Belle Mare Plage to win the 2018 MCB Tour Championship – Mauritius.

The 52-year-old was relentless throughout the week, his first round of 9-under-par 63 opened up a four-shot lead over the field, the second round of 66 maintained the pace and his final lap of 64 completed a 23-under 193 total which matched the score, and the eight-shot winning margin, which Thaworn Wiratchant achieved when winning and setting the records last year.

“It’s amazing,” the Texas-resident said after the final round. “My fourth win on the Tour and my second this year. My game did not feel good coming into the week, but everything fell together, I started striking the ball well and making some putts. Now here I am the champion.”

Sweden’s Magnus P Atlevi claimed second on 15-under 201, but the huge margin of victory was deceptive because with five holes to play only two shots separated the pair.

“Magnus played fantastic today,” said the winner. “My mindset was to keep making birdies, and I think it helped me that he played so well because I had no option but to keep up with him.”

Roger Chapman was alone in third, with Ryder Cup stars Phillip Price and Paul McGinley sharing fourth.

Dennis had a special word for his caddie after lifting the trophy. His son Philip had carried the bag on only one previous occasion when his father carded a 7-under-par 63 in the first round of the Swiss Senior Masters. The pair now has a stunning record of 30-under through 72 holes.

“Philip did a great job,” laughed the proud father. “He was mostly quiet, said what he needed to, and we just had fun out there. I’m just not sure what the caddie rate will be this week though. That’s yet to be determined!”

The Tour now heads north for the second leg of the inaugural Staysure Tour Indian Ocean Swing, the MCB Tour Championship – Seychelles, and Dennis cannot wait.

“MCB and Constance Hotels are such great sponsors for this Tour,” he said. “What a great way to end the year. A week here in Mauritius, my favourite destination in the world, and now a week in Seychelles. It’s an amazing experience.