• Portugal Masters

Brilliant Lewis never thought of €416,660 jackpot

Tom Lewis hit five birdies in the final seven holes © Getty Images

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Tom Lewis insists money did not even enter his head as he moved towards the €416,660 winner's cheque at the Portugal Masters on Sunday.

Lewis, at the third time of trying as a professional, clinched his maiden title by two strokes at Vilamoura to take home a serious prize pot at the age of 20. The youngster, who only went professional a couple of months ago, topped a field including the likes of Martin Kaymer, Colin Montgomerie and Padraig Harrington to signal his arrival on the European Tour.

Firing a final round of 65, Lewis went from four strokes adrift to two ahead, and he knew he had a strong chance of victory as he played his final two holes. Having finished on 21-under, Rafael Cabrera-Bello was the closest challenger on 19-under, but Lewis insists money never crossed his mind at any stage.

"I haven't thought about the money, I was thinking about the win," Lewis said on Sky Sports, having moved third on the Ryder Cup points table. "When you say it like that [about the money] it sounds great but I'm a long way behind Rory [McIlroy] in the Order of Merit so I've got a long way to go.

"I'm so pleased with this week, I would never have expected it. I was just happy shooting in the 60s today, no matter where I finished.

"To shoot 65 in the last round I wouldn't have thought I would have won. I missed some silly shots this week but if you'd said I'd finish on 21-under I'd have said 'no way'."

Victory means Lewis can now look forward to an assured future on the Tour, freeing him up from the worry of having to attend Tour school. And the youngster admits plans will change once he sits down with his manager.

"I haven't thought about things yet, but the schedule will change for sure," Lewis confirmed. "I'll take time to sit down and plan what I'll be playing in for the rest of the year."

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