Ross McGowan made a birdie on the final hole to secure a narrow one-stroke victory at the Italian Open on Sunday.
The 38-year-old went neck and neck with fellow Englishman Laurie Canter throughout the final day’s play at Chervò Golf Club and was able to claim a second European Tour title in the process.
Canter, who led throughout the first three rounds of the event, had to match McGowan’s birdie on the 18th in order to force a playoff, after the two were tied on 19 under heading into the last hole.
Wow. @RossMcGowan ?
After a nervy day, he takes the lead in style with two holes to play.#ItalianOpen pic.twitter.com/XvpCibrjot
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) October 25, 2020
But, while McGowan rolled in for four, Canter missed his chance and tapped in for par to settle for T2 alongside Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts.
McGowan, though, held his nerve brilliant throughout the round and despite shooting a 71, the critical moment on the final hole proved to be all that matters for what is a famous victory in his career.
South Africa’s Dean Burmester also remained within touching distance of the leaders throughout his round but a difficult back nine, that saw him drop a crucial shot on the 14th, meant he had to settle on 17 under par and in T5.
Countryman Bryce Easton finished the week on 14 under and in T16, while Louis de Jager ended a stroke behind him.
