After 9 years of hard work, patience and persistence, Joel Sjoholm has claimed his maiden professional victory at the Italian Challenge in Sardinia on the Challenge Tour.

Having carded a final round 65, Sjoholm came from two strokes behind overnight, to win by 4.

Four birdies on the opening nine helped him to take the lead at Is Molas, and he never looked back.

“It feels amazing,” he said. “I never thought when I was ten years old that I would have to wait until I was 32 before I earned my first victory as a professional.

“It is close to being the best thing that has ever happened to me. Obviously having children and getting married will always be the most special thing, but this is pretty incredible.

“I shouldn’t really be standing here. I was playing on an invite this week, and I have to thank Alain, the Challenge Tour Director, and my management for getting me into the tournament.

“I only got here on Wednesday, I missed my flight on Monday, and I was a little bit worried about not being able to play the golf course – but this week I just putted really well and that was the difference.”

This victory has catapulted Joel up the Road to Oman rankings from 98th to 5th.

Congratulations to Joel on his maiden professional victory. It shows that your hardwork and determination over the last 9 years has paid off.

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