Daniel Gavins is hoping to rediscover his form on a happy hunting ground as he makes his first DP World Tour title defence at the 2022 ISPS Handa World Invitational presented by AVIV Clinics.
The Englishman enjoyed a stunning Sunday 12 months ago as a bogey free 65 saw him rally from seven shots adrift to take the title at the innovative event played at Galgorm Castle Golf Club and Massereene Golf Club, Northern Ireland.
The event is tri-sanctioned by the DP World Tour, Ladies European Tour (LET) and LPGA Tour, with separate male and female tournaments played on the same courses at the same time and for two equal prize funds of $1.5 million each.
Other players of note in the 132-player field in the DP World Tour element of the field include Dubai residents and Italian duo Renato Paratore and Guido Migliozzi, who represented Italy in golf in the most recent Olympics.
Five-stroke win
In addition the UAE connections include, Abu Dhabi-based David Horsey of England, Connor Syme (Scotland) and Jack Senior (England).
In the G4D Tour 36-hole event, Italy’s Tommaso Perrino stormed to his maiden Tour title after securing a five-stroke victory at G4D @ ISPS HANDA World Invitational presented by Aviv Clinics.
The 38-year-old held a one-stroke lead over world No 1 Brendan Lawlor at Galgorm Castle Golf Club after an opening four under par 68, and was in control throughout the final round in Northern Ireland as he carded a closing two under par 70.
The world No 7 is a prolific winner on the golf for the disabled circuit and had made steady improvements during the 2022 G4D Tour season.
“When I dreamed, I thought about this moment — this shows dreams can come true,” said Perrino. “Galgorm is one of my favourite courses, but it’s the house of Brendan, he’s the best player. But today I played perfectly. I missed some putts, but I controlled my game, this is unbelievable.
Securing first win
“Brendan is always competitive in every tournament and I knew it would take hard work to stay in front of him, but I started fast and remained in control at the finish. There was some pressure on the way in, dropping two shots, but it finished perfectly for me.”
Perrino was congratulated on the green by his fellow competitors as he secured his first win on the G4D Tour.
“That was really important,” said Perrino. “I’m friends with all the players who I play with. I try to enjoy every moment of every day, and it’s important for me that we’re all friends. There’s not a bad word said between any of us. That’s important.”
The Italian is one of three competitors who have now secured their place at the end of season G4D @ DP World Tour Championship. Perrino joins Popert, who won G4D @ Betfred British Masters hosted by Danny Willett and G4D @ Porsche European Open, and Mike Browne, who was victorious at last month’s G4D @ Horizon Irish Open.
The next G4D Tour event will take place ahead of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club from September 5—6.
