Ain Sokhna, Egypt - Nathan Cossement (-11) is playing only his third Pro Golf Tour event as a professional at the Little Venice Red Sea Open 2025. However, after rounds of 68, 67 and 70 at Sokhna Golf Club, the Belgian can already celebrate his first victory and the tour card that goes with it. Second place was shared by Brandon Dietzel (Germany) and Mathias Gunzel (France) on -10, with Lars van der Vight (-9) from the Netherlands in fourth place.

Leading going into the final round, a winner coming off the 18th green: Nathan Cossement didn't let his inexperience on the Pro Golf Tour show in the final round of the Little Venice Red Sea Open and took his first lead in a professional event across the finish line. In ideal conditions at the once again perfectly prepared Sokhna Golf Club, the Belgian came out on top thanks to a flawless back nine with two birdies, just ahead of Frenchman Mathias Gunzel and German Brandon Dietzel.

Cossement only found out that a par would be enough on the last hole on the 18th when he and his caddie, pro golf tour colleague and roommate Arnaud Galand, looked at the leaderboard. A solid two putt from six meters sealed the first professional title for the 23-year-old, who until then had never had any status on the tour. “I've been trying to gain a foothold in professional golf over the past few months,” said the champion, who only turned professional in August and is now a full member of the Pro Golf Tour. "This means a lot to me. It's more than just a win."

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Order of Merit of the 2025 Season

“Not my A-game”
Cossement had to fight hard for his first victory in only his third appearance as a professional on the Pro Golf Tour. As he himself admitted after his final round of 70, he didn't have his “A-game” at his disposal in the final. “I didn't feel so good, but I fought well and never gave up.” Cossement gained the decisive momentum for his eventual triumph on hole 14, when he saved par after a drive into the water. “I added a birdie and from then on I had everything in my hands.”

The strong performance of the young Belgian hopeful is no coincidence. With his third place at the Red Sea Ain Sokhna Open just under a month ago, Cossement had already proven how comfortable he feels at Sokhna Golf Club. "It's a difficult course. But I told my caddie that I just want to be grateful: I'm in Egypt, the sun is shining and I'm playing golf on a beautiful course against great competitors. So I just wanted to have a good time."

Almost at the same time as the decisive winning putt in Egypt, the first group of the Masters Tournament teed off in Augusta. As a golf fan, Cossement also wants to get as much out of the prestigious major as possible. Especially as Thomas Detry, a Belgian, is competing. However, as the next tournament at the Sokhna Golf Club (Ain Bay Red Sea Open) continues on Sunday, he quickly added: “But my focus is on the second event here.” After all, his sporting future is at stake on the Pro Golf Tour. Securing the tour card was only the first step.

After the first six tournaments of the season, Filip Mruzek from the Czech Republic remains in first place in the Order of Merit. He is followed by Lars van der Vight from the Netherlands and the Germans Martin Obtmeier, Carl Siemens and Michael Hirmer.