Success is sweet for young Belgian talent, 24 today

Thomas Pieters, the long-hitting golfer from Belgium, celebrates his 24th birthday today (27 January).  The European Tour pro from Antwerp enjoyed a very nice early birthday present at the weekend when he earned himself 273, 124 euros for his stunning performance in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. He came second to American Rickie Fowler in a class-field which also included world number one Jordan Spieth and Europe’s number one player Rory McIlroy.  But for a breath of wind was his eagle putt in the hole on Sunday. He missed forcing a play-off by an absolute whisker having charged up the leaderboard in the final round.  Instead his birdie on the 18th secured him second spot on his own on 15-under par, just one shot behind Rickie Fowler.

 

The 6 feet 5 inch tall Belgian talent turned professional in 2013 (plus 5).  Long tipped as one of the stars of the future, Pieters is already showing great form and strength of character.  Last season he won two tournaments in back-to-back appearances on the European Tour: the Czech Masters and the KLM Open in Holland where he came from four behind on the final day to clinch his biggest career cheque to date of 300,000 euros.

 

He started playing golf at the age of 5 encouraged by his parents after they played on holiday in South Africa. His other passion is snow-boarding.

 

Happy Birthday, Thomas!  Gefeliciteerd!

 

Wendy Hoad

 

PICTURED:  Thomas Pieters, the Dutch Open Champion at the 2015 KLM Open.  Photography by Golfing Inspirations.