John Gough has won the Copa S.M. El Rey at Sherry Golf in Jerez, Spain.
The English player, ranked 100th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, finished in a tie for fourth in the stroke play qualifying after rounds of 68 (-4) and 73 (+1).
In the round of 64, Gough faced English compatriot, Jack Brooks. Gough was 1-down playing the 17th hole but was able to clinch the match after five extra holes.
His next match was a lot shorter. A 6&5 victory over Scotland’s Lewis Irvine earned Gough a spot in the last 16.
The Englishman would face 2021 Jacques Léglise Trophy winner with the Continent of Europe, Tim Wiedemeyer in his third match. He would advance with a convincing 5&3 victory over the German player.
Gough’s opponent in the quarter-finals was Hugh Foley. 1-down playing the 17th hole, Gough managed to recover again, this time claiming victory on the 2nd extra hole.
Yannick Malik, another recent Jacques Léglise Trophy winner, gave Gough a good match in the semi-finals, although it wouldn’t be enough to topple the Englishman who advanced with a 2&1 win.
Norway’s Michael Alexander Mjaaseth was the only other player still standing after 2 stroke play rounds and 5 match matchplay rounds.
Gough took the advantage early in the 36-hole final match. The English player was 3-up after just 7 holes. Mjaaseth was unable to fight back and found himself 4-down at the halfway stage.
Despite dropping two holes, Gough bounced back winning 4 out of 5 holes to clinch the match and the title with a 6&5 win.
The victory adds Gough’s name to a prestigious list of winners that includes Sergio Garcia, Danny Willet, Darren Clarke, and Jose Maria Olazabal.
Gough’s victory also marks the second for English players this year in European amateur events, after Frank Kennedy claimed the Portuguese International title last month.
The full results can be accessed through the link below:
Images: © Royal Spanish Golf Federation