John Gough secured the first win of his professional career after winning the HotelPlanner Tour’s Open de Bretagne.
The 27-year-old former BB&O amateur star, who only turned professional last year, carded a final round 68 to reach 14 under and win the Blot Play9 by two shots at Pléneuf Val André in France.
Starting Sunday’s final round two shots ahead of Spain’s Pablo Ereño and Frenchman Maxence Giboudot, Gough settled well with back-to-back birdies on the third and fourth. He made another front nine gain on the par three eighth, however, went bogey-birdie-bogey after the turn, as Ereño narrowed the gap to one stroke with birdies at ten and 11.
Gough didn’t falter though, and a further gain put him in control, before Kjetturup capitalised on Ereño’s bogey-bogey finish with four birdies on the spin. That left Gough needing a five or better at the last to secure his wire-to-wire victory in France, which he did so with the minimum of fuss.
“It feels unbelievable to get it done,” Gough said. “I could have made it easier for myself out there, but I am really proud of the way I managed with my bogeys and getting shots back and staying with my routine. A massive credit must go to my caddie, Tom, who helped with that out there.”
Gough had the weather to contend with for most of his round, the wind affecting scoring on the back nine, with the tenth to 13 holes the most exposed to the elements, and the rain picking up before the final group made the turn.
“At first, I thought that the weather wasn’t making it any easier for me, but at the same time, I started nicely. I thought about it, and the fact that nobody could really chase, so being in front was a good position to be in. All I needed to do was to hit it into sensible spots, and I did do that for quite a while. I’m just happy to have made it in the end.”
Gough was quick to praise everyone who has been involved in his journey to date.
“This win is down to everyone that has played a part in my journey. Nobody makes more of a sacrifice than my parents, obviously, but my brother, who is a fantastic golfer himself, my girlfriend, Tom, my coaches, I can’t thank them enough, and this shows it’s all worth it.”
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