Held in the picturesque mountains of Ramsau, Austria, the tournament saw Tom record his first Top 10 finish of 2021, and was a very welcome return to form as the season approaches the mid point.
Despite his success in the Isle of Man Sports Awards, where he was awarded Isle of Man Sportsman of the Year for 2020, it has been a frustrating time for Tom on the course recently. After recording a career-best finish on the full European Tour of Tied 27th in Tenerife in early May, he had been struggling to recapture his best form. However, it all came together in the Alps, where the Manxman played some excellent golf across all four days, despite a number of rain and thunderstorm delays.
Rounds of 65, 67, 69, 66 saw Tom finish with a 13 under par total, earning him a tie for 8th place, catapulting him up the Challenge Tour Order of Merit, and earning him some precious Official World Golf Ranking Points. Best of all, he managed to put the Manx flag at the top of the leaderboard for an hour or so on the second day, as he set the pace among the early starters. Hopefully the first of many such occasions.
“I missed a few chances during the last round to go really low, but I didn’t get frustrated and am happy with the week.”
– Tom Gandy