G/FORE’s newest professional Thomas Detry has revealed he is inspired to follow in the Ryder Cup footsteps of close friend and countryman Thomas Pieters.
Belgian Pieters gained one of Darren Clarke’s three captain’s picks to represent Europe against the USA at Hazeltine later this month on the back of his stunning victory at the recent Made In Denmark event.
But 23-year-old Detry – just a year younger than his fellow University of Illinois graduate – tasted victory on the same weekend with his maiden professional success at the Bridgestone Challenge on the Challenge Tour, shooting an opening round 60 on his way to a record-equalling 29 under par winning total.
After only turning professional in July and signing up to wear quality US golf fashion brand G/FORE, the 12-stroke victory lifted Detry into the top-15 in the Road to Oman standings, which would seal a place on the European Tour next season if he can stay there.
And the Brussels-born talent, who will play in the KLM Open in the Netherlands on the European Tour this week – an event where Pieters is the defending champion – has big ambitions to continue his own rise in the game.
Detry said: “Thomas and I have known each other since we were eight or nine years old.
“We went to the same university in the States so we are very close. We talk every day and we will room together at the KLM Open.
“He works so hard and I am so happy for him. When Darren Clarke announced his name, I had chills going down my back.
“Of course, we have talked a lot about the Ryder Cup. He is a very laid-back guy but he is very excited about it and is really happy to have made the team. Thomas is in fantastic form and I’m sure he will do well. He has all the attributes and the perfect attitude.
“He has done so well – it’s just inspiring to see it.
“Playing in the Ryder Cup will come with good results and hard work. I see it as a gift or a reward but I would love to do it, for sure.”
While Detry is keen to follow in his friend’s footsteps, it seems other professionals are keen to fill his G/FORE shoes – especially after his magical round of 60 set him on the road to victory at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire.
Detry said: “You have no idea how many fans and even other professionals come up to me and talk about my shoes and tell me how cool they are. Everybody wants to order them!
“I’ve always liked their stuff. It’s stylish but it’s sober and classy as well and I really like that. It fits me perfectly and I’m really happy to be part of the G/FORE family.
“The coloured gloves are amazing too. The colours are pretty cool to match them with what you’re wearing but the leather is just fantastic quality.
“But it was great to get my first professional win. I was actually very proud of myself.
“After my first round of 60, I managed to keep the same level of play and that was really good.
“To get my first win just two months after turning professional is an amazing feeling.
“Now I’m looking forward to trying to play well at the KLM Open. I played in the French Open in July, which was a great experience. I’m confident and my game feels great.
“The French Open was a very good test. I didn’t even play my best game and I still finished in the top-25, so that showed me I can compete at the highest level on the European Tour.”
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Press release written and distributed by the Azalea Group on behalf of G/FORE.
• Mossimo Giannulli – who is married to Full House and Summerland actress Lori Loughlin -founded G/FORE in 2011 after becoming frustrated in his search for colourful and functional golf gloves.
• A fashion industry veteran and avid golfer, Giannulli founded the billion-dollar clothing company Mossimo Inc in 1987 and brokered a first-ever designer-exclusive distribution deal with Minneapolis-based Target Stores in 2000. G/FORE embodies Giannulli’s expertise in fashion, passion for golf, and dedication to creating products of unmatched performance and unparalleled style.
• G/FORE’s first few years have seen it grow from crafting colourful gloves to also producing premium golf shoes, apparel and accessories for both men and women.
• In just a few short years, the G/FORE brand has been worn by a host of top-level professional golfers, award-winning actors and music industry stars.
• G/FORE golf gloves are worn by professionals every week on the PGA, Champions, European, European Challenge, Japanese and LPGA Tours.
• In spring 2016, Bubba Watson joined G/FORE’s line-up of elite ambassadors.
For further information on G/FORE please contact Steve Wilson, at the Azalea Group, on 01730 711920 or steve@theazaleagroup.com.
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