Alex Maguire continued his fine start to life on the Alps Tour with a share of 24th place at the Lacanau Alps Open in France.
It was an up and down 54 holes for the Laytown & Bettystown man who carded rounds of 72, 64 and 74 for a six-under total.
Maguire finished ten shots behind eventual winner Antoine Auboin.
James Sugrue carded a final round of 74 for a two under total.
Auboin came from behind to secure his maiden professional victory.
“I had a tough start to my round today, I didn’t give myself many good birdie opportunities. I was happy to make some pars, I 3-putted on 3 but knew I was still close. I then saw my good Louis extend his lead to 4 or 5 shots, I was then able to make a good birdie on the 10th hole. Once I got to 10, I told my caddy it’s time to make a move, I was able to par until the 12th hole. I was then able to eagle the 13th hole and par until 16. Once I got to hole 16, I told myself I needed to make a 2 or 3 and then finish birdie-birdie or try to make an eagle to have a chance. I hit a fabulous drive on the green and made the eagle putt. Then, on hole 17, I made a birdie, hitting my approach shot to less than a meter to tie Louis heading into the last hole. On the last hole, I saw my good friend Louis struggle around the green, so I just tried to make a par and knew that I could get it done.”
When asked about his plans, Auboin added:
“To be honest with you, this was going to be my last tournament. Now I’m not sure, I’m still not realizing what I’ve done, it’s my first professional win. The plan was to stop until at least the end of this year and then maybe start again next year on a foreign tour but so now I’m not sure what my plan is going to be. However, for right now, I want to enjoy this win with my caddy, friends, and family.”
He wants to dedicate this win to his girlfriend.
“To me and my girlfriend. She was here with me the first two rounds to try and get me to enjoy the game again and get my confidence back. So, this win is also thanks to her.”
Leave a comment