An Isle of Man based golfer is continuing to take encouraging steps on the professional ladder.
Rowany player Tom Gandy, who is supported by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, has earned a Category 3 card to secure full playing rights on the Euro Pro Tour next season.
The 26-year-old should also be on the first tee at the Euro Pro end-of-season event at Desert Springs in southern Spain in October.
His most recent successes include a tie for 12th place at The IFX and Winged Boots Championships at Foxhills Club and Resort, just outside London – a result which lifted him up seven places to 40th position in the Order of Merit.
He also secured a sixth place at the PentaHotels Championship in Reading and last week, at the Nokia Masters in Sussex, hit a rare albatross in practice.
The odds for scoring an albatross or double-eagle in golf stand at a million to one.
Isle of Man tournament professional Tom’s journey to success has been boosted by the Steam Packet Company which is supporting his travel requirements for the remainder of the season.
On the assistance he has received so far, Tom said: ‘The Steam PacketCompany has been so supportive of me and I am extremely grateful.
‘I’m probably one of the most regular travellers over the summer as I like to get back to the island as frequently as possible between tournaments. Having such support is a massive help and allows me to concentrate on my golf.’
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Although Tom’s 2019 ambitions remain even higher, he is now planning for another season of guaranteed professional competition and looking at options for other events in April next year – a time when the majority of his EuroPro peers will be back into the mix of qualification.
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward added:‘We are delighted to continue to support Tom’s travel as he flies the Manx flag in the UK and beyond.
‘The Steam Packet Company has an important role to play in supporting Islandsportsmen and women and Tom is a great ambassador, not only for golf here in the island, but also for the island in general.’
Photographs: Tom Gandy on board the Manannan; Tom on the putting green; Tom with Steam Packet Company Business Development Executive Richard Hird and Marketing and Online manager Renee Caley. (Pics: Bill Dale)