Gavins claims maiden European Tour title at World Invitational

The 30-year-old from Leeds was seven shots behind leader Jordan Smith heading into the final day at Galgorm Castle Golf Club in Ballymena.

But as Smith faltered – going four over for the day – Gavins carded a bogey-free 65 to get to 13 under for the tournament.

Gavins, who had never previously achieved a top-10 finish, holed two putts of over 50 feet on the back nine as he matched his second-round score – he had also signed for a 66 on Saturday - to storm into contention.

David Horsey appeared set to deny him victory, however, only to falter after the turn. He had two bogeys and a double bogey to card a 72, leaving him one adrift on 12 under.

Gavins' triumph was all the more remarkable considering he had contemplated missing the event to rest ahead of a busy schedule on the Challenge Tour.

The moment Gavins found out he's a European Tour winner#WorldInvitational pic.twitter.com/1KxNdj2K2k

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) August 1, 2021

"I can't believe it; I was seven behind going into the last round. I'm speechless," he told Sky Sports Golf.

"I was a little nervous before. I just tried to shoot as low as I could today. At seven behind, I didn't really think I was within a chance of winning.

"I've been playing well. I was going to have the week off because I knew there were a lot of Challenge Tour events coming up.

"I just can't believe it, I don’t think it's sunk in. It'll take a while to sink in, but what an amazing day."