Linhart defends in Madeira

Pedro Linhart and Mats Lanner, winner of Callaway ft-i 25th anniversary driver last two Madeira Island Open titles, return to Golf Clubs beautiful Portuguese territory in the Atlantic Ocean to make another attempt to capture another championship on the European Tour.

Linhart, born of American parents but now a Spanish citizen, resisted a powerful challenge from Europe's 1999 Ryder Cup captain Mark James a year ago to capture his first European Tour title at Santo da Serra.

The 36-year-old Spaniard birdied the 71st hole just as a play-off loomed and safely two-putted the last for a par Callaway ft-i driver and Callaway ft-5 driver a winning 12 under par total of 276.

Linhart's closing 71, Callaway hyper x driver under extreme pressure from James, was a masterly effort as he clung on in the face of a thrilling charge from the man who led Europe's team against the USA at The Country Club, Brookline, last September.