David Park rounded off the most exciting week of his young life in thrilling fashion yesterday with a nail-biting victory in the European Grand Prix at Slaley Hall.

The Welsh rookie lost out a week ago in a marathon play-off in the desert heat of the Moroccan Open to Spaniard Miguel Angel Martin.

But in the rain-soaked conditions of Northumberland, Park went one better to seal a last-gasp victory on the 18th hole against David Carter. Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington led the Irish challenge at four under par. Clarke after a disappointing four over par 76 in the third round, returned to his best form with a four under par 68 while Harrington was a model of consistency shooting his fourth successive one under par 71.

John McHenry gave himself a much needed boost in preparation for this week's Murphy's Irish Open with a final round of level par 72 to finish on one under 287.

Paul McGinley and Philip Walton's challenge evaporated over the final rounds. McGinley shot a three over par 75 in the last round while Walton dropped eight shots over the final two rounds to finish well down the field on 295.

Carter was faced with a six-foot putt for par on the final hole but was inches wide. Park had a slightly shorter distance and conquered his nerves to sink his putt.

Apart from the £108,330 prize money, the Royal and Ancient have given him a place in next month's British Open at Carnoustie. The victory also gives Park a full card and a two-year exemption for the full circuit.

At the start of the final hole, Park and Carter were both sitting 14-under-par after a round where their nervousness was increased by South African Retief Goosen, who narrowed the gap to a single stroke.

The pair knew they had to make a par four on the 18th to beat Goosen - he shot seven birdies in his score of 66.

It was exhilarating stuff and a crowd of almost 5,000 braved the weather to watch Park register a spectacular win.