Pablo Martín (golfer)


Pablo Martín Benavides is a Spanish professional golfer.

Early life and amateur career

In 1986, Martín was born in Málaga. He attended Oklahoma State University in the United States. Martín was named the Jack Nicklaus Award winner and the Haskins Award winner. Martin also won the 2005 Porter Cup.
In April 2007, Martín became the first amateur ever to win a European Tour event when he captured the Estoril Open de Portugal title. As an amateur, he had to forfeit the winner's prize money of €208,330 but the win still granted him exemption on the European Tour until the end of 2009.

Professional career

He turned professional in June 2007 and completed the season playing on both the European Tour and the PGA Tour, relying on sponsors' invitations for PGA Tour events.
Martín did not enjoy immediate success on the European Tour after he turned professional, with only a single top ten finish in the 2008 and 2009 seasons but managed to retain his card for the 2010 season by finishing 118th on the 2009 Race to Dubai. However in the first event of the 2010 season, the Alfred Dunhill Championship, he won again to become the first player to win on the European Tour as both an amateur and as a professional. In December 2010, he defended this title winning the 2011 Alfred Dunhill Championship.
After a poor 2012 season, Martín lost full playing rights on the European Tour and did not complete the Qualifying School.

Awards and honors

In 2006, Martín won three best college golfer awards: the Jack Nicklaus Award, the Haskins Award, and the Phil Mickelson Award.

Amateur wins

European Tour wins (3)

1Co-sanctioned by the Sunshine Tour

Results in major championships

"T" = tied

Results in World Golf Championships

QF, R16, R32, R64 = Round in which player lost in match play
"T" = tied

Team appearances

Amateur
  • European Boys' Team Championship : 2002, 2003
  • Jacques Léglise Trophy : 2002, 2003
  • Eisenhower Trophy : 2002, 2006
  • European Amateur Team Championship : 2003, 2005
  • European Youths' Team Championship : 2004
  • Bonallack Trophy : 2004
  • Palmer Cup : 2005, 2006
Professional
  • Royal Trophy : 2010, 2011