Spain’s Pablo Martin claimed the first event of the new European Tour season as he held off local hero Charl Schwartzel to win the Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa

The 23-year-old, who two years ago became the first amateur to win on the circuit, captured his first professional title by one shot from former winner Schwartzel.

Martin shot a closing 69 for a 17 under par total of 271 and, having only just kept his card last season, is now exempt until the end of the 2012 season.

Gareth Maybin endured a nightmare finish as he found water at the par-five 18th, running up a double-bogey seven to close with a 71 that pushed him back into a share for fourth place on 12 under.

A birdie would have given him third place on his own and a cheque for €69,200 but the Ulster golfer had to settle for €38,825 as four players ended up on 12 under.

Denmark’s Anders Hansen took third with a closing 68.

Damien McGrane finished in a tie for eighth spot on 11 under after closing with a 72, with Shane Lowry moving into the top-20 after a closing 69.

Michael Hoey went in the opposite direction as he signed for a 74 and a final tally of one under.