Aalden, Netherlands - After a long break from professional golf, Floris de Haas (-10) fulfils his dream and wins his first title at the FaberExposize Gelpenberg Open 2022 at DGC de Gelpenberg. The Dutchman defeats Mathis Pansart from France in a play-off. Alan de Bondt (Belgium) finishes third (-7), Mike Toorop (Netherlands) fourth (-5).

For the frequent players on the Pro Golf Tour, the FaberExposize Gelpenberg Open 2022 was already the twelfth event of the year. For others it was the first. Floris de Haas played mostly on the Alps Tour this season and got an invitation to the penultimate tournament of the Pro Golf Tour season at the DGC de Gelpenberg in his home country. "The course suits me and I already finished tied eleventh here last year when I wasn't even playing really well," said the 34-year-old, who returned to professional golf in 2021 after six years away to fulfil his big dream: "I wanted to win a title on one of the satellite tours."

After the 2014 season on the Pro Golf Tour, De Haas concentrated on his work as a golf instructor. Until ambition drew him back onto the course himself. The first victory as a professional is never easy, the Dutchman also knew, and this was to be confirmed once again at the FaberExposize Gelpenberg Open. After an excellent 65 (-6) on the final day, De Haas had to wait a few minutes in the clubhouse and watch as Frenchman Mathis Pansart tied with him at -10. "The wait was good. It calmed me down and I realised I had done a good job. I knew that if I had to go out again, I could deliver." And this he did. After two holes shared, the decision came on the third extra hole. De Haas hit his approach on 14 close to the stick and after narrowly missing his putt to win earlier, the ball was going to drop this time.

"I could cry," De Haas said shortly after the decider, which he celebrated with his girlfriend and a good friend. "I haven't played professional golf for six years, but concentrated on teaching. For it to happen on this course in the Netherlands and for my girlfriend to be there - that's just incredible." While he teaches others how to play golf, he had to find a recipe for himself to celebrate this long-awaited first triumph. "I don't have a coach or anything like that. That's why I have to figure everything out myself." The hardest part is now behind him. The first victory is in the bag and celebrated with some old fellow students at a barbecue. "I'll bring them the trophy now." De Haas had only positive words to say about the DGC de Gelpenberg course as well as his home tournament: "The greenkeepers have worked day and night. De Gelpenberg can be very proud of what they have put together here, together with the title sponsor FaberExposzise, the many sponsors and numerous helpers, a tournament that has to hide from no Challenge Tour event in terms of atmosphere and set-up."

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The FaberExposize Gelpenberg Open was the penultimate event of the season. The grand finale is scheduled for 26-28 September at the Adendorf Golf Resort.The penultimate event of the season, the FaberExposize Gelpenberg Open 2022 (1 to 3 September) at the DGC de Gelpenberg, is already coming up in a few days.

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