England’’s Philip Golding, who made his breakthrough on his 201st start on The European Tour by winning the Open de France at Le Golf National, Paris, has been named as the Asprey Golfer of the Month for June.
The 41 year old from Bushey in Hertfordshire, who made a record 16 visits to the Qualifying School Finals, shot rounds of 66-70-68-69 for a 15 under par total of 273 and a one stroke victory over fellow Englishman, David Howell.
Golding was one of four players to record their maiden victories on The European Tour International Schedule during a month in which Greg Owen of England won The Daily Telegraph Damovo British Masters, Australian Brett Rumford captured the Aa St Omer Open and Søren Kjeldsen of Denmark won The Diageo Championship at Gleneagles.
In addition to those champions, Australia’’s Stephen Leaney finished second but acquitted himself with distinction in the US Open Championship in which European Tour Members Ernie Els, Fredrik Jacobson and Justin Rose shared fifth place and Padraig Harrington tied for tenth at Olympic Fields Country Club, Matteson, Illinois, further emphasising the strength of The European Tour.
After a lively debate by a panel from the Association of Golf Writers, television and radio at the splendid Rossdhu House, centerpiece of Loch Lomond Golf Club, Golding’’s achievement carried the day over Leaney’’s meritorious performance in the United States.
Renton Laidlaw, The Golf Channel Commentator, said: “It is marvellous that The European Tour International Schedule has produced so many first time winners in 2003 – 12 in total to date – and that four of them won during the month of June. Victory means so much to every player on Tour but none more so than Philip Golding, who underlined the value of patience and perseverance.”
Other winners of the Asprey Golfer of the Month Awards for 2003 are: Ernie Els (January and February), Robert-Jan Derksen (March), Fredrik Jacobson (April) and Paul Casey (May). The award is presented to a European Tour Member each month from January to November for his performances on The European Tour International Schedule and in worldwide competition. At the end of the season, the Panel will select the Asprey Golfer of the Year.
