Max Rottluff on his way to victory at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Supplied

Maximilian ‘Max’ Rottluff got the maximum seal of approval for the biggest win of his career as none other than the legendary Gary Player himself took time out to congratulate the German on his maiden Challenge Tour victory.

The 30-year-old teed it up alongside the likes of Road to Mallorca No. 1 Ugo Coussaud, DP World Tour winners Matteo Manassero, Álvaro Quirós and Oliver Fisher plus a host of risings stars last week at the UAE Challenge at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhabi.

But, along with the hefty €43,000-plus pay cheque, the biggest pay day of his career, Max was maxed to the hilt by the man who designed the course — and who also picked up nine majors during the course of his prolific career as a player.

Gary Player in action at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Rottluff, making his first start on the Challenge Tour this season, carded a final-round 70 to reach 14-under and finish one stroke clear of Coussaud. He also hit a course-record 63 on Saturday on his way to the top — and was admired by the man whose UAE course he mastered after a memorable triumph.

“I’m thrilled for Maximilian Rottluff and his first victory on the European Challenge Tour,” said Player to Golf Digest Middle East. “The tournament seemed to have everything for him — from a course record at Saadiyat Beach to a final-round comeback even after a bogey on his opening hole. Many congratulations to Maximilian, but remember, the work really starts now!”

Following a career that included 159 professional wins — including those nine majors — Mr Fitness, who is still hitting it better than most at the age of 87, turned his hand to golf-course design, and Player prides Saadiyat Beach GC among his finest, along with many of his South African home’s best course such as Gary Player Country Club and Leopard Creek, plus illustrious overseas venues like Wentworth in England. He has been involved with more than 400 design projects.

That is heady respect indeed for Max to take after a 63 and the Abu Dhabi crown.

For a bit of review of this past week in Abu Dhabi, despite his Saturday heroics, Rottluff started his final round two shots back from overnight leader Manuel Elvira. But, even after bogeying his opening hole, he showed nerves of steel to turn it on after the turn, whacking in five birdies in a seven-hole stretch on his way to victory.

Max is up to 14th in the Race to Mallorca standings and has already secured his spot on the Challenge Tour next season. But if he continues this form he may get a money-spinning spot on the DP World Tour next term.

As Player says: “The work really starts now!”