Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño has been named The Race to Dubai European Tour Golfer of the Month for October when he played a significant role in Continental Europe’s victory in the Seve Trophy by Golf+ then captured the BMW Masters presented by SRE Group.
Fernández-Castaño, who receives an engraved alms dish and a Jeroboam of Moët & Chandon champagne, earned three points out of five as his Spanish compatriot José María Olazábal captained Continental Europe to their first win since 2000 in the Seve Trophy when they overcame Great Britain and Ireland 15-13 at Saint-Nom-La-Bretéche, Paris, France.
Then the resident of Madrid belatedly celebrated his 33rd birthday by claiming his seventh European Tour title, and his third sponsored by BMW, by compiling rounds of 71, 71, 67 and 68 for a winning 11 under par total of 277 in the BMW Masters presented by SRE Group at Lake Malaren Golf Club, in Shanghai, China.
Fernández-Castaño, who is currently fifth in The 2013 Race to Dubai, said: “It’s a great honor, I feel very proud to receive this award for the second time (April 2006). This is an important month to me: I was born in October and I’ve had too many emotions in the last few weeks, that’s why I decided to come home instead of playing in Turkey. Yesterday we celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary, plus, our daughter Lola is also celebrating her birthday this week: she was born the same day (November 8th) of my closest friend Francesco Molinari, he will understand I rather light the candles with her!
“Will travel with all the family to Dubai, then, they come back home and I will continue to the Dunlop Phoenix and, although it is not official yet, hope to be in Sun City.
“I am so happy! Who could have imagined, playing the Qualifying School back in 2004, that ten years later I would have achieved seven victories. But, to me, the most important thing is that I am very happy with what I am doing, very pleased. It’s amazing how time goes by. In 2004, you are at the School thinking where your life will end up… and in 2013, you find yourself with seven titles, considering that winning just one event has all the credit to me.
“I look back at 2011, when I had problems with my back, and I can hardly believe how dark a time it was: I was full of doubts, and getting back to being competitive again was very tough. But since then, I’ve won three times. I care and work hard on my back now; probably, one of my main worries regarding moving to the USA is leaving a great team of physios and doctor behind.
“As I said on Sunday after winning in Shanghai, I will concentrate on the PGA Tour but will play in Europe more events than the minimum required; that would be difficult to do if you are outside the top 50 in the World ranking, but, being inside… I’ve made my numbers and I think I will play more over here”.
The Race to Dubai European Tour Golfer of the Year Panel, comprising members of the Association of Golf Writers as well as commentators from television and radio, selected Fernández-Castaño whilst also considering the achievements of Frenchman Grégory Bourdy, who became the first player to claim a maximum five points in the Seve Trophy by Golf+ contest, and European Tour winners David Lynn (Portugal Masters) of England, and Korea’s Jin Jeong (ISPS Handa Perth International).
Iain Carter, Golf Correspondent of BBC Radio Five Live, said: “Gonzalo added to his impressive Seve Trophy display by completing an excellent body of work in October with his victory over a strong field in the BMW Masters – although a special mention should go to Jin Jeong for his win in Perth.”
Derek Lawrenson, Golf Correspondent of the Daily Mail and Chairman of the Association of Golf Writers, said: “You could make a strong case for any of October’s candidates. Grégory Bourdy certainly put himself on The Ryder Cup radar with his stunning performance at the Seve Trophy; Jin Jeong will clearly be winning these awards for years to come; and it was particularly hard to separate David Lynn, with his first win in nine years just days before his 40th birthday, and Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño’s stirring success at the BMW Masters – although ultimately it came down to the gentleman from Madrid.”
Chris Wood (January), Darren Fichardt (February), Marcel Siem (March), Raphaël Jacquelin (April), Matteo Manassero (May), Justin Rose (June), Graeme McDowell (July) and Henrik Stenson (August and September), all previous recipients of awards this year, will now with Fernández-Castaño be considered for The 2013 Race to Dubai European Tour Golfer of the Year Award.
Photo: Getty Images
