Jason with the Grado Open trophy, presented by European Tour winner Constantino Rocca
What a way to start the Summer season, Jason lifts his first Alps Tour title in dramatic fashion!
After a strong start to the season and lying in 3rd place on the Alps Tour order of merit heading into the Grado Open in Italy, Jason was keen to impress. He had already returned three top ten finishes this season, 4th at the Perugia Open, 6th at the Gosser Open and 2nd place finish at the Red Sea Little Venice Open.
However, this week was a set to be a very special one for Jason. After a steady opening round of 70 Jason was five shots behind the leader and seemingly a little off the pace however the Kirby Muxloe player turned up the heat on Raphael Marguery from France as his second round of 65, 7 under par elevated Jason to 2nd place, now just two behind the leader and playing slongside the Frenchman for the final round.
Jason himself owes alot of his 2013 success to the off course work he has put in, not only was it important to have the correct kit in the bag, and thanks to Geoff Waddington at PING Golf that has been possible but he has also sighted Dan Birch's work with him at Leicestershire based fitness centre, Nutrafit. Designing a fitness regime and healthy eating structure, Jason has been able to keep his focus whilst playing and maintain his health away from the course whilst he undergoes the rigours as life as a professional golfer travelling the world.
Three birdies in his final six holes and mistake-free last round in contrast to overnight leader Marguery, whose two-shot advantage starting the day disappeared with a double bogey at the par-five ninth, took Jason to his first win since 2010 and top of the order of merit.
More poignantly Jason told a large crowd at the presentation ceremony that the triumph was for his father, who passed away in January.
“I could never make him proud enough. So Dad, this is for you,” said Jason, holding back the tears after former Ryder Cup player Costantino Rocca presented him with the trophy.
The top 5 players on the final order of merit after the last tournament gain a category 10 membership of the European Challenge Tour which will be a great step forward for Jason as he aims to join the main European Tour.
To follow Jason's progress please log on to the Alps website at http://alpstourgolf.com/
This week Jason takes his place in the starting field in France at the 2013 Open de Saint Francois, everyone at Champions of Golf wish Jason well as he aims to win back to back!