UCF Men’s Golf Alum Ricardo Gouveia Wins Hainan OpenUCF Men’s Golf Alum Ricardo Gouveia Wins Hainan Open

UCF Men’s Golf Alum Ricardo Gouveia Wins Hainan Open

by Justin Wilson

Former UCF standout Ricardo Gouveia won his seventh Challenge Tour tournament, as he recorded a 272 (-16) to clinch the victory by three strokes to win the Hainan Open at the Danzhou Ancient Saltern Golf Club in Hainan Island, China.

Gouveia carded four rounds under par with a 67 in his first and final rounds with a 68 in the second round and a 70 in the third round. He recorded 20 birdies in the tournament, headlined by six in the final round on Monday.

“What an amazing day today. It was one of the toughest rounds of the year and I played really well on the back nine. I just stayed patient throughout the day, I knew the last few holes were playing into the wind and really tough, so I’m excited to get the win.”

Ricardo Gouveia

The Portugal native entered the fourth round three shots off the lead, but six birdies helped Gouveia take over at the top of the leaderboard and secure a three-shot victory.

Gouveia joins Englishman Warren Bennett in second place on the all-time Challenge Tour winners list, one behind England’s Iain Pyman who has eight victories.

The 32-year-old climbs to 10th position on the Road to Mallorca Rankings ahead of the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final supported by The R&A and is in a strong position to regain his DP World Tour playing privileges for 2024.

Manuel Elvira, another former Knights men’s golfer, finished tied for eighth at 10 under. He fired a 69, 68, 68 and closed out the tournament with a 73 in the final round. He had 18 birdies in the competition, highlighted by a birdie on No. 2 and 13 each round.