Ahead of this week’s Apulia San Domenico Grand Final, europeantour.com takes a look back at some memorable moments from previous editions of the season finale Our first is courtesy of John Morgan...
Mighty Morgan makes his move
The Apulia San Domenico Grand Final is a stern test of nerve, but in 2008 John Morgan approached the tournament much like he does any other: as though he were playing in a Sunday medal at his local golf club.
Morgan takes a refreshingly simple approach to his game: first, to try to get the ball from the tee to the hole in as few shots as possible; and second, to enjoy himself to the fullest. On the third day at San Domenico Golf, both of these elements combined to produce a round of golf which will live long in the memories of all those fortunate enough to witness it.
Morgan, who went into the week in 27th place in the Challenge Tour Rankings, knew he needed a marked improvement on his performance of the second day, when a round of 73 left him in a share of 18th place.
So the jovial Bristolian went for broke, reaching the turn in just 28 shots after notching six birdies in nine holes. “The hole looked as big as a melon,” Morgan would later say in his distinctive West Country burr.
The birdie blitz duly continued after the turn, as Morgan raced home in 33 to sign for a career low round of 61 which broke the course record and catapulted him into a share of the lead.
“You’re not going to believe this,” said Morgan afterwards, “but I had 59 in my head from about the sixth or seventh hole. I just felt it was going to be my day. If I can finish it off tomorrow and get my European Tour card, I’ll be the happiest man alive and my family can enjoy a great Christmas. If I don’t, Christmas is cancelled this year!”
Fortunately for the family, Morgan closed with a round of 68 to finish in a share of third place and end the season in 17th place in the Rankings. It was an epic performance by a man who is, in every sense, larger than life.
