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Hepworth wins from play-off at Galgorm

Thursday, 1 July 2010

England’s James Hepworth, winner of the 2010 Galgorm Castle Northern Ireland PGA EuroPro Open.

THERE was high drama to the end as James Hepworth held his nerve to land the Galgorm Castle Northern Ireland PGA EuroPro Tour Open from a play-off with Daniel Gaunt at the Ballymena venue last Friday where Lurgan's Gareth Shaw finished as leading Irishmen.
Hepworth (35) landed his first PGA EuroPro title at the first play-off hole at Galgorm where over 1,000 spectators turned out to watch the stars of the future in action.
Not only did they enjoy top class golf but were blessed with balmy, sun conditions all three days.
Hepworth and Gaunt had been the main protagonists from the outset of the £40,000 tournament with the former firing a scintillating 63 on the opening day.
The Englishman carded a third round 70 for a 15-under-par 201 aggregate and was joined by Order of Merit leader Gaunt, who closed with a 67.
To add to the drama Hepworth had to birdie the final hole of the 54-hole event to force the play-off. As the crowds gathered, the pair set off on the first sudden-death hole (18th) where Hepworth was quick to close it out with a birdie four compared to the Australian's five.
“I was quite focused and did the business. I really enjoyed it," said Hepworth, who secured the £10,000 winner's cheque. "I was relieved to actually make the play-off. At the start of the day all eyes were on me as everybody wanted me to slip up but it was alright in the end.
“It has brought my own self belief back as in the last few years I had lost a bit of interest but I've worked hard and it's paid off.
“The goal at the start of the season was to get onto the Challenge Tour and this victory means I've now got a chance of doing that."
Gaunt had been three shots behind at the start of the final day but second place and a cheque for £5,000 means he extends his lead at the top of the Order of Merit.

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