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, who represents Al Hamra Golf Club, 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.
After 11 years and 15 days, @RossMcGowan is a winner again on the European Tour 🏆#ItalianOpen pic.twitter.com/AxlaFd8VQQ
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) October 25, 2020
“I can’t believe it,” he said. “I hit the ball terrible today but luckily the putter kept me in it again.
“The tee shot on 16 was a shocker, the second shot wasn’t much better and then I holed the bunker shot so I think that was the one that gave me a bit of belief. Then to roll that putt in there (on the 18th) was magical.
“I didn’t really foresee this, my form hasn’t been great. But I felt like I was playing better, definitely around the greens.”
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.
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.
