Gregory toasts victory on Algrave Pro Tour

The Corhampton Golf Club ace delivered a three-shot success in the Penina Classic IV on the Algarve Pro Tour.

Gregory was competing in his third event in Portugal, having finished 20th and fourth in the Penina Classic III and Palmares Classic VI respectively.

Although the 2016 British Amateur Champion was three shots off the lead after his first round, he began his second in rampant style.

The former South Downs College student carded a six-under-par 29 on the front nine to take the lead.

He maintained his high standards through the back nine with a four-under-par 34 to finish on 12-under par and clinch the silverware and £2000 prize money

Gregory now wants to build on his success as the season starts to pick up pace.

‘I played well over there and gave myself a lot of chances,’ said the Waterlooville talent.

‘In the last round I shot 10-under par, which was obviously good fun.

‘I managed to shoot the lowest round of the tournament and it was the first time I carded a 29.

‘There was a little bit of tournament rust, especially in the first event as I made a lot of course-management errors.

‘However, I got things together and figured it out.

‘It’s about learning from those and trying to get the momentum going for the rest of the year.

‘I was three shots back going into the final round and knew I had to get off to a quick start. I got off to a very quick start and went six-under par through seven holes.

‘Once I shot 29 on the front nine then all I had to do was play half-decent and I was going to have a chance.

‘It was then about getting into that winner’s mindset, which I haven’t been doing for quite a while – that was a good feeling.’

Before heading to Portugal, Gregory spent two-and-a-half weeks in Florida fine-tuning his game.

The 23-year-old will compete on the Challenge Tour this season and is hoping for an invite to play in the Kenya Open, which starts on March 22.

Gregory added: ‘America helped massively because I was able to get my game in shape and practice in some good weather.

‘If I can stay at the level I’m at and keep improving each day then hopefully in a month’s time I’ll be raring to go and ready to compete.

‘I’m next playing the Sunningdale Foursomes with Neil Raymond.

‘After that, I’m waiting to hear if I’ll get an invite to Kenya on the Challenge Tour.

‘I’m also looking to go back out to Portugal to play three more events on the Algarve Tour at the start of April.’