Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño has taken a giant step forward in his sporting career by winning the Barclays Singapore Open today, Monday, after defeating Philippine Juvic Pagunsan in a play-off, after rain forced the cancellation of play on Sunday. The 31-year-old player from Madrid won the 720,000 euros of the six-million-dollar tournament prize money after making a birdie to break the 199-stroke (14 under par) tie of the previous day, according to the organization. Since last Friday, the organizers had to delay the competition three times because of the rain and lightning storm at the Sentosa golf course. “It’s a great relief, especially after the way I played yesterday, when I squandered a four-stroke lead,” said Fernandez-Castaño.
“It has been a tough year and I have taken a big weight off my shoulders. I have gone three years without a victory and this means a lot to me”, added the Spanish golfer.
Not in vain, six months ago there were serious doubts as to whether Gonzalo would be able to continue playing golf. Affected by a back injury that caused him to miss three consecutive cuts at the beginning of the year, he was forced to withdraw from competition for six months, and was still harboring doubts about his future on the European Tour only six weeks ago.
With less than €50,000 in season earnings at the end of September, time was running out for Gonzalo to climb many places, up to 115th which guarantees him the card, in the Race to Dubai.
This is Fernández-Castaño’s fifth win on the European Tour, four of them in the playoffs, and his first victory since winning the British Marters in 2008.
Leave a Reply