That was back in 2000 and Wall began that season with a victory and hoped more would follow. He certainly didn’t think he would have to wait 16 years to hoist a trophy again but he finally got his opportunity after defeating Alex Noren in the final of the Aberdeen Asset Management Paul Lawrie Match Play in Scotland.

The victory set a new European Tour record of 16 years and 204 days between his maiden and second wins. The previous record was set by American Tom Kite, which was 16 years and 36 days between the 1980 European Open Championship and 1996 Oki Pro-Am.

Anthony Wall celebrates with tournament host, Paul Lawrie. PHOTO: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images

The 431 events since Wall’s first triumph in South Africa in 2000 surpasses the previous high of 276 set by Christy O’Connor Jnr.

Wall overcame a slow start at Archerfield Links to secure a one-up win over tournament favourite Noren, who was hoping to grab a Scottish double having won the Open at Castle Stuart last month.

Wall, a runner-up seven times since his last victory, laughed: “It’s funny … the other one in 2000 felt like yesterday!

“It’s amazing because it’s such a hard job to beat everyone because everyone is so good.

“It just feels amazing – I cannot tell you how happy I am.

“I did wonder whether it would ever come again. I’m just so pleased for my parents – they put in so much when I was young. I’ve got two children that just want to see their dad win, I’m speechless, it’s phenomenal.

“I don’t know what it was, you don’t know what you’re going to get. I felt calm all week, I putted well … I just found something with my putting a little bit.”

Wall salutes the crowd after making a birdie at the 6th hole. PHOTO: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images.

Noren, a five-time European Tour winner, grabbed the lead early with a birdie at the opening hole and backed it up with another, despite finding trees off the tee, at the 2nd hole.

But the Englishman bounced back with birdies of his own at the 3rd and 6th holes to square the ledger. The 41-year-old added a further birdie at the par-5 11th and maintained his lead with crucial sand saves at the 12th and 14th holes.

The pair went shot for shot until the par-5 18th when Wall tapped in for his par, leaving Noren a 15-footer for birdie and the chance of sending the match into extra time. But the Swede’s attempt missed and the title was Wall’s.