JOE Dean has become the first winner of The GLAL.UK Worcestershire Masters at The Vale Golf and Country Club by three shots for his first victory on the PGA EuroPro Tour.

Dean, of Worksop Golf Club, went into the day with a share of the lead at nine under before a flawless final day 66 (-6) sealeda comfortable win in the end.

Dean never looked fazed on a final day that ebbed and flowed, always remaining on top of the pile even if he was pushed at several points throughout.

In 2018, Dean moved up to the Challenge Tour through the tour’s top five but that came without a win, he was relieved to get his firs;“It was great to get the top five in 2018 especially without winning but it also leaves a little area of doubt in your mind that are you ever going to cross that line, so to do it now it’s a massive move forwards.”

“Me and Sam (Locke) were going backward and forwards to start with and then I saw after the first six that Ben Hutchinson had made a few birdies as well.

“To be honest, I didn’t look at the leaderboard the whole way round. I saw Dermot (McElroy), the only thing I saw was him holing a birdie putt on 17.

“I’m so glad I didn’t look at any leaderboards just to keep my mind at rest and focus on my process.”

Going into the final round Dean wasn’t happy with his short game, something he felt got better: “The putter came back, the short game came back a little bit this week and it was good enough. I might have a few beverages when I get home!”

Dermot McElroy (Ballymena Golf Club) was one of those pushing Dean all the way, signing for the joint best round of the week at eight under for a 64 and 12 under total.

The Northern Irishman was at nine under for the day until a bogey on the 18th meaning he took a share of the spoils at tied second with Tom Sloman (Trinifold Sports), Ben Hutchinson (Howley Hall Golf Club), and Sam Locke (Paul Lawrie Golf Centre).

David Wicks (Sedlescombe Golf Club) showed resolve for his third top 15 finish, this time tied sixth with Ryan Brooks (Whittington Heath Golf Club).

The top ten was rounded out by James Frazer (Machynys Peninsula), Jack Hawksby (Millbrook Golf Club), Chris Maclean (Balmore Golf Club), and Jeff Wright (Forres Golf Club).

Congratulations to Joe!