Ross McGowan claimed his first European Tour victory for 11 years and 15 days at the 2020 Italian Open and his fellow professionals were lining up to congratulate him on social media.
The affable 38-year-old almost made Europe's Ryder Cup team a decade ago after his victory at the Madrid Masters and a runner up finish at the inaugural Dubai World Championship presented by: DP World in 2009.
He lost his card at the end of the 2011 season and despite two successful trips to the Qualifying School in 2015 and 2017, has not finished in the top 150 on the Race to Dubai since then.
He was back to his very best at Chervò Golf Club, though, holing a bunker shot on the 16th and a putt from 20 feet on the last for two late birdies that took him to 20 under, one shot clear of countryman Laurie Canter and Belgium's Nicolas Colsaerts.
And once the final putt dropped, a host of his friends and rivals, including Canter, took to social media to offer their congratulations.
Absolutely delighted for @RossMcGowan !!! Finished 2nd to me in Dubai in 2009 then lost his game a little bit. Has persevered and got the rewards today. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
— Lee Westwood (@WestwoodLee) October 25, 2020
Could not be happier for you Ross 👍🏼🏆
A gentlemen to play with @RossMcGowan and thoroughly deserved win. Personally, lots of positives and clearly a few areas to work on 🤪 See you in Cyprus @EuropeanTour
— Laurie Canter (@LaurieCanter) October 25, 2020
How good @RossMcGowan Congratulations 👍👌💪 Very happy for u to be back out playing full time and showing what u got.⛳🏌️♂️ #golflife #BOOM #Winner #GoodGuy #ItHappens #HappyDays @EuropeanTour
— Scott Hend (@hendygolf) October 25, 2020
HUGE congrats to fellow @Vol_Golf @RossMcGowan class is permanent! Gutted for @LaurieCanter but a win will come soon for him no doubt about that. As for me, -11 T-39th. Onto Cyprus for 2 weeks!
— Chris Paisley (@ChrisPaisley86) October 25, 2020
Wow that was some finish @EuropeanTour . Congrats @RossMcGowan 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
— Ross Fisher (@RossFisher) October 25, 2020
Unreal @RossMcGowan Congrats pal. Awesome win #italianopen
— Daniel Gaunt (@Gauntgolf) October 25, 2020
Brilliant, what a win after a lot the last few years 👏👏👏👏. Nice playing @LaurieCanter..... #theseguysrgood https://t.co/U1ftlPN5lD
— Richie Ramsay (@RamsayGolf) October 25, 2020
