UAE Challenge champion Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen automatically qualified for the DP World Tour after recording his third win of the season at the VcG-sponsored Big Green Egg Challenge in Germany.
The Dane was six shots behind the leader going into the final round but shot an excellent eight-under 64 to reach 15-under and move to the top of the leaderboard at Wittelsbach Golf Club, one shot ahead of compatriot John Axelsen and Scotland's Daniel Young, who were tied for second.
The 25-year-old became the first player since England's Aaron Rai in 2017 to win three times in a regular Challenge Tour season.
“I can't really explain how I feel right now,” he said. “It all clicked today. I never thought I'd be able to shoot eight under on this golf course. I played a perfect round.
“I played really well on every hole and my reaction to my only bogey on the 14th was very impressive. Everything is possible in this tournament and I am very happy.
“My goal at the start of the season was to finish in the top 20, but I never thought my season would go so well. It's been a great year, and the Challenge Tour has been a great place for me to learn, and I've improved a lot as a professional golfer.”
Niergaard Petersen claimed his second win of the season at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club earlier this year and his second Challenge Tour title in three events at the Emirates Challenge.
The tournament also saw Dubai amateur Oscar Craig, whose stepfather Tommy Fleetwood caddied all week, make the cut in his Challenge Tour debut.
Not only has Neergaard-Petersen secured his place on the golf global tour in 2025, he can also compete on the DP World Tour for the remainder of this season.
“The Challenge Tour provides a great platform for us to move onto the DP World Tour,” he said. “You see how successful the graduates have been over the years and that gives me a lot of confidence.
“I'm excited to play on the DP World Tour for the rest of the season. It will be a special experience and I'm going to enjoy it as much as possible. Hopefully I'll have time to celebrate this win first.”
