Czech Masters: Thomas Pieters wins first European Tour event

Thomas Pieters won the NCAA Division I Golf Championship in his second year at the University of Illinois

Belgium's Thomas Pieters won his first European Tour event with a three-shot victory at the Czech Masters on Sunday.

The 23-year-old, who led by one going into the final round, recorded a three-under-par 69 to finish on 20 under.

Sweden's Pelle Edberg closed with a one-under 71 to finish second, while England's Matthew Fitzpatrick had a 68 to climb to third on 16 under.

"Over those last couple of holes, I was pretty nervous but we're going to celebrate," said Pieters.

"I tried to stay calm early in the round even after I made double-bogey at the third but I managed to regain my focus."

Pieters birdied the first hole to move to 18 under but a five on the par-three third dropped him back to 16 under, one behind Edberg, who birdied the first two holes and bogeyed the third.

However, Pieters hit four birdies in his final 10 holes to regain the lead and stretch his advantage.