University of Tennessee Athletics
VFL Ross McGowan Begins 2016 with Top 15 Finish
January 12, 2016 | Men's Golf
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Former Volunteer Ross McGowan began the 2016 calendar year with a top 15 finish on the European Tour at The BMW SA Open hosted by the City of Ekurhuleni Jan. 7-10.
McGowan finished in a tie for 12th after shooting 6-under for the tournament. He posted three rounds under par, including an opening round 68.
The SA Open marks his second event on the circuit after obtaining his European Tour card for the 2016 season in November.
McGowan gained his tour card after finishing fifth in the Final Stage of European Tour Qualifying School in Spain. He shot 15-under over six rounds.
Despite earning his card in November, McGowan has had success on the European Tour in previous years. Before he lost his card in 2011, he won the 2009 Madrid Masters and collected four top-3 finishes. He has 13 career top 10 finishes on the circuit.
The Englishman competed on the Challenge Tour in 2015 and placed second in the D+D REAL Czech Challenge. He finished 2015 with a stroke average of 70.73.
McGowan, who played at Tennessee from 2001-2005, collected nine top 10 finishes over his collegiate career and finished in a tie for seventh in the NCAA Championship his senior season.
He will join former Vol Chris Paisley on the European Tour. Paisley, who was on Rocky Top from 2005-2009, played in 22 European Tour events in 2015 and finished third at the BMW International Open.
Former Vols Charlie Ford and Garrick Porteous will compete in the Challenge Tour for the 2016 season.
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