Europe, July 11: English journeyman Philip Golding has edged out Stephen Leaney to win June's European Tour Asprey Golfer of the Month award.
The honour was in recognition of last month's heroics at the French Open, where 41-year-old Golding birdied the 18th to secure a one-shot win over David Howell and his first Tour victory in 200 starts.
The victory was even sweeter as Golding has suffered the ignominy of making a record 16 visits to the European tour's qualifying school to hang onto his card.
Golding, who almost quit golf last year, said after the victory: "Apart from the birth of my child (two years ago) this is the greatest moment in my life.
"When I just failed to keep my card last season I didn't want to go back to the school, but my wife persuaded me to."



Golding used to joke he would not know what Christmas was like without the qualifying school but his two-year exemption courtesy of his French Open victory means he will be carving the turkey at home with his family this year.



Leaney's impressive runner-up spot in the US Open meant he pushed Golding all the way for the prestigious award.



Golding was one of four first-time European Tour winners in June: England's Greg Owen (British Masters), Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen (Diageo Championship) and Australia's Brett Rumford (St Omer Open) completed the quartet. So far in 2003, 12 golfers have scored their maiden career wins.


Bureau Report