Dale Whitnell. LET

Dale Whitnell came out on top for his first DP World Tour title at the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed — co-hosted with the Ladies European Tour.

The Englishman was smiling on Sunday at Ullna Golf and Country Club after a stunning 96-yard hole-out eagle on day one set the tone and he rode the momentum with a second-round 61 and a halfway six-shot lead.

Nerves began to jangle as that advantage was cut to two with two to play as Sean Crocker piled on the pressure on, but Whitnell birdied the 17th to allow him to enjoy his walk up the last and sign for a 70 and a three-shot win at 21-under.

Anne van Dam was the leading women’s player at 15-under after a 69, alongside Yannik Paul who carded a closing 72.

“It’s awesome,” said a clearly emotional Whitnell. “It tested me out there. It’s been a long road for me, I’ve got so many people to thank: my fiancée Angie, my little dog, Craig my coach who I didn’t know flew out today, my mum and dad, Callaway, Travis Mathew, all my friends and family.

“It’s been a long time coming, I’m ecstatic. It means everything to me, it’s what I get up every day for. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come. I’ve dreamt of this for a long time.”