MADEIRA, Portugal (AP) Pedro Linhart, a 36-year-old with American parents who became a naturalized Spaniard more than 10 years ago, won his first title on the European Tour Sunday.

Linhart, winless in five previous seasons, held off a determined run by England's Ryder Cup captain Mark James to capture the $540,000 Madeira Island Open.

In warm sunshine, Linhart shot a 1-under 71 final round over the 6,605-yard Santo da Serra course to finish at 12-under 276, one shot ahead of James.

"It's nice to know finally I can do it," Linhart said. ``I had a bit of luck, like when a snap-hook drive bounced off a tree at the fifth and I was able to chip it forward, then save par."

It wasn't all luck.

Twice James pulled even and when he chipped in from 25 feet at the 17th, both players were at 11-under.

"I was looking at the board. I knew I needed a birdie on the last three holes." Linhart said. Playing behind James, Lonhart hit a 9-iron to 15 feet at the 17th and rolled in his fourth, and most vital birdie putt, of the day.

Linhart, whose father was Brooklyn-born, worked as an assistant pro at several New Jersey clubs from 1989-93. He earned $90,000 for his victory.

James, five shots off the pace after three rounds, fired a 67.