Bonne chance gareth

A fantastic final round of 69 earned Gareth the chance to play alongside a star studded field at the Le Golf National in Paris which includes six of Europe’s Ryder Cup heroes from the ‘Miracle at Medinah.’

The 27-year-old also banked his biggest pay cheque since turning pro in 2008 with 62,900 euros his reward for a tied fifth place at Carton House. Gareth showed great temperament on the final day after opening with two bogeys to land an eagle on the 14th and then a birdie on the last which alone was worth around 30,000 euros.

“I’m thrilled at the way the week went, “ Gareth told the Mail. “It was a very demanding and difficult course. The last day was especially tough with wind and tough pin positions. You had to be accurate off the tee so overall I am delighted with the way I played.

“I have to thank the Irish Sports Council for giving me the opportunity to take part. It was my first time sampling this type of atmosphere, dealing with the crowds, the cameras and the occasion. I wasn’t nervous until the first tee on Sunday when the legs felt a bit heavy and after two bogeys I thought ‘here we go’. But I got it together and the eagle at 14 and birdie on the final hole made it a great finish.

“It’s a moment like this that makes all the hard work worthwhile and it also gives me a belief of what I can achieve. The financial reward is a boost too and also the entry in to the French Open has given me a lift.

“I had a look at the entries and I am really looking forward to playing in such a world class field. I don’t normally set goals but to make the cut would be fantastic.”