Tom Gandy clinched his first professional golf win with victory in the Royal Ascot Cup in Berkshire earlier this week.

The Rowany golfer was competing on the Jamega Pro Golf Tour at the prestigious course and produced a superb six-under-par opening round of 64 - helped by no fewer than seven birdies - to open up a one-stroke lead heading into the second day.

It was not all plain sailing for the Manx star on day two though, as some great play by his opponents saw him make the turn three shots behind.

But birdies on the 12th and again on the 16th putting him back in control and needing a birdie on the par-five 18th to seal his maiden victory. Unfortunately for Tom his putt came up agonisingly short, leaving him facing the prospect of a sudden death play-off against England’s Jamie Moul for the title.

Gandy lost the coin toss and had to watch his opponent go first in the par-three play-off. But this worked in his favour as, influenced by watching Moul’s iron shot, Gandy revised his club selection and elected to grip down on a 6 iron before delivering a perfect swing, sending the ball straight towards the hole to seal a memorable victory.

Speaking afterwards, the 27-year-old commented: ’I prepared myself and then hit a great iron shot, straight at the flag to a mere three feet - almost tap-in range. I had two putts to win from there and managed to roll the first one in to make birdie and win the tournament.

’I’m absolutely buzzing to pick up my first win as a pro after birdieing the first playoff hole. Massive thanks to Jamega Tour for an extremely well-run event and to Royal Ascot Golf Club for their fantastic course and hospitality.

’I couldn’t have done it without a great backing from everyone back home in the Isle of Man. A great start to the season, let’s hope we can build on it and push on for more!’

Tom would like to thank the following sponsors for their support: Tower Insurance, Steam Packet Co, Visit IOM, ScottyDogGolf, Isle of Man Golf Holidays and Sugarloaf Café.