We use our own and third-party cookies to deliver content to you throughout your experience online. It is possible that some cookies may continue to collect information after you've left our site. By using our site, you consent to cookies. Learn more here.
Englishman's first win in 11 years on European Tour
Words: GolfPunk
Photography: Getty Images
Ross McGowan sealed an emotional victory at the Italian Open, his first win in 11 years, as the Englishman holed a 20-foot putt at the last to overcome his playing partner Laurie Canter after a thrilling final day battle at Chervò Golf Club. The 38-year-old holed a plethora of long-range putts throughout the week in Brescia and once again, he had his putter to thank on the final day. His chance looked to have gone at the long par three 14th hole, where he found the water with his tee shot to leave him one over par for the day. But a superb up-and-down from the drop zone kept him in the mix and birdies at the 16th, where he holed out from a greenside bunker, and 18th earned him a one-under 71 and a 20 under par winning total - his first European Tour title since the 2009 Madrid Masters. "My head is going full blast at the moment. Obviously, I’m very happy, not happy with the way I played particularly but I got the ball in the hole which in the past has been my nemesis, so it was nice to be able to do that this week," said McGowan. "When I hit the bunker shot on 16, that came exactly how I saw it and it obviously went in and the putter has been good all week, so I felt like if I put it to six or eight foot at 18 I had a good chance of making birdie. His playing partner Canter had the chance to force a play-off with a birdie putt of his own just after McGowan’s, but the 30-year-old was left to rue missing out on his chance of a maiden title as he signed for a 72 to finish one back. "It was horrible. The front nine, I actually felt like I played alright to be honest. I hit the ball nice for most of the day, but I was just exposed on the greens and around the greens. I just didn’t feel right, didn’t feel comfortable all day." Said Canter. Former Ryder Cup star Nicolas Colsaerts joined Canter in a share of second spot after the Belgian’s birdie at the par-five closing hole – his fifth of the day having started the day with a bogey – earned him a four under 68, a 19 under total and his best finish of the season.
.jpg)
