Nicolai Hojgaard holds his nerve to triumph at Ras Al Khaimah Championship

Nicolai Hojgaard acknowledged he had required “a clutch finish” after he became the first winner of the Ras Al Khaimah Championship presented by Phoenix Capital.

The 20-year-old Dane finished on 24-under par to win the title in Al Hamra Golf Club’s debut on the DP World Tour.

The four-stroke margin of victory appeared convincing, but the champion required a comeback over the last six holes to quell the challenge of Jordan Smith.

Hojgaard held a five-stroke lead after firing an eagle 4 at the course’s signature hole, the par-5 third.

And yet a combination of fine scoring by Smith, plus a double-bogey and bogey in the space of four holes meant Hojgaard was two behind playing the 13th.

He followed a birdie there with an extraordinary eagle at the next. He drove his tee shot 356 yards into wasteland, but struck a 5-iron from the sand 249 yards to finish nine feet from the hole.

Wow. Nicolai Højgaard, take a bow!