Pavan Notches First Professional Win
Aug 17, 2011 | Men's Golf
SLATTUM, Norway - Former Texas A&M All-American Andrea Pavan claimed his first professional title last weekend with a playoff victory at the Norwegian Challenge, held at Hauger Golf Klubb.
Pavan edged out Austrian Florian Praegant with a birdie on the third extra hole to win. The A&M standout's win came on the European Tour's Challenge Tour, similar to the Nationwide Tour in the United states.
The 22 year old Italian had carded a two under par 70 in the final round to reach nine under for the tournament alongside Praegant, who signed for a 69. The Austrian holed an excellent putt from off the green for birdie at the first play-off hole, and Pavan followed suit from close range. Nothing could separate the pair at the second extra hole as they both tapped in for par, but at the third Pavan went close with his approach and Praegant could only make bogey."It feels fantastic to have won," Pavan said following the tournament. "Especially after what happened in Austria and Switzerland, I proved I can finish it off. My coach this week has been very helpful. It has not been a week for playing really well, but we found a way to win. I holed some crucial putts today, especially on the 18th to make par and get in the play-off. Both days this weekend I've played well on the back nine. And to make two birdies in the play-off was great."
Pavan only turned professional earlier this year and has risen to seventh in the rankings. If he can finish in the top 20 he will receive exempt status for the 2012 European Tour.
A four-year letterwinner for the Aggies from 2007-10, Pavan was named a first-team All-American in 2010 and sits at or near the top of many of A&M's record lists.
