Lee Westwood has become just the seventh player to win £10 million (€14.5 million) in their European Tour careers - and could not have done it in any finer fashion.
The former European number one produced the round of the day and one of the best of his life given the situation to leave the rest for dead in the Quinn Direct British Masters at The Belfry.
A seven-under-par 65 highlighted by a 35-foot birdie putt on the 16th and then a 30-footer for eagle at the 564-yard next swept Westwood, two behind at the start of the round, to a majestic five-stroke victory over Ian Poulter.
"I've driven it as good as I ever have and holed the putts when I needed to," said the 34-year-old from Worksop after capturing the 29th title of his professional career.
"I'm pretty emotional and feeling very happy. I hardly put a foot wrong out there. The British Masters is a great title on the European Tour and it was one of those I was building up to."
Despite Poulter's efforts to grab the €435,000 first prize six days before his marriage, he could only applaud the performance of his 2005 Ryder Cup team-mate.
"All credit to Lee," he said. "It's nice to see a British winner, but unfortunately it wasn't me."
Rory McIlroy shot a final round of 73 for a two-over-par 290 total to finish in 42nd place on his professional debut. That was worth just over €15,000 to the 18-year-old.
"My first event as a professional has gone well, better than most," he said. "I'd give myself a B-minus for the week. There's room for improvement, as there always is.
"I've enjoyed the attention and signing autographs as a professional. I can give stuff away now too, now I'm getting it free!
"It's been absolutely fantastic and everyone has looked after me ever so well. I was expecting there to be a lot of interest in me, after the Open and Walker Cup, and with me turning pro at a big event like this. I was half-expecting it, so I think I've dealt with it pretty well.
"I've got a nice little pay-cheque, which is a nice start. What will I spend it on? I may take Holly to the cinema, but I'm actually going to be looking for a house next week. I'm going to move out, but I'm looking in Holywood because I want to be near enough to mum so that she can still do my washing for me!
"I'll have a nice little break this week to recuperate, before going to Scotland to have a good go at the Dunhill Links. Playing here this week has been good preparation for that. There may be some more woolly hats needed, though - but I love links and I'm looking forward to it.
"Before then, I'm playing with my dad (Gerry) against Darren Clarke and his dad Godfrey in an exhibition match at Darren's new course in Sligo. It should be good. My dad says he hasn't been playing for two years, but he's been practising a lot. He played four times last week. He's off two, Darren's dad is off six, so Darren and I should just leave them to it, I think."
Westwood joins Colin Montgomerie, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke and Bernhard Langer in taking his earnings as a member of the circuit through the £10 million barrier.
"I came here very positive," added Westwood, who in Spain in May ended four years without a win and who had finished ninth, sixth and sixth the last three weeks. He now sits top of the Ryder Cup points table and, playing the way he is, it will be a major surprise if he needs another wild card for next year.
