Frenchman Julien Quesne tied the course record with a final round of 64 to win the Andalucian Open by two shots from Italian youngster Matteo Manassero.
It was Mannassero who set the course record at the Aloha Golf Club on the Costa Del Sol in the opening round, but Quesne's own 64 saw him finish on 17-under par for a two-shot victory from the Italian.
Spaniard Eduardo De La Riva, who does not even have a Tour card, finished in third place on 14-under to give his season a real shot in the arm.
Quesne himself had only got in to three events on the European Tour so far this season, and on his fourth start he managed to come away with the title after a brilliant finish to his round, which included four birdies in his final five holes.
They included a seven-foot putt for birdie on the 18th that got him into the clubhouse on 17-under, and that proved too good for the field as he ran out a two-shot winner.
Surprise
"This is the best day of my life," Quesne told Sky Sports after his victory."It wasn't easy because you have Matteo Manassero and the others all playing good so I just tried to play shot after shot and do my best.
"I asked my caddie all the time since 15 about the score so I knew if I birdied on the last one I'll have a good chance.
"I'm a little bit nervous because it's a little bit quick for me to win this year, I've been playing well for three months but I'm very happy to get a win this early in the year. I'll remember this day for all of my life."
The 31-year-old had never previously been higher than 16th in a European Tour event and ranked 322nd in the world.
His final round was also the lowest of Quesne's Tour career but it bagged him €139,037 - more than double his total winnings on the circuit since he made his debut eight years ago.
Eighteen-year-old Manassero, who opened the tournament with a 64, took second place on his own when overnight leader Eduardo de la Riva bogeyed the last to drop into third place.
As is their custom, Quesne was showered with champagne by fellow French players afterwards, but at least he resisted the temptation to go and jump in the lake on the 18th.
Thomas Levet did that when he captured his home French Open last July - and broke his leg.