French prodigy Martin Couvra storms to Turkish Airlines Open title

A new star has been born in French golf. 

Martin Couvra, the 22-year-old rookie from Cannes, stormed to his first maiden victory on just his 15th DP World Tour start with a sublime Sunday showing in Antalya.

Couvra posted nine birdies in a final round 64 to win the Turkish Airlines Open, a tournament making a successful return at Regnum Carya after a six-year hiatus.

With a prolific amateur background, Couvra is instantly making an impression and his first professional victory will only raise expectations about just how far this young French talent can go.

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“It was just amazing,” Couvra said. “It’s just a dream to win a DP World Tour tournament.”

After relinquishing his halfway lead with a over-over 72 on Saturday, Couvra conjured four birdies in his final eight holes to seal two-shot win over Spain’s Jorge Campillo and China’s Li Haotong.

“Yesterday was a really bad day and I had no momentum in the round, but at the end of it I was still in a good position so I was just trying to keep positive,” he smiled. “I’m very happy with today.”

Overnight leader Brandon Robinson-Thompson, who shot a joint-course record 62 in his third round, faltered with a 73 on Sunday.

The feel-good story of the week, however, belonged to Chris Wood.

After years in the wilderness battling crippling anxiety, former Ryder Cup player Wood matched Couvra’s Sunday score to vault up the leaderboard.

The 37-year-old Bristolian, playing on a rare sponsor’s invite this week, moved up to seventh place which guarantees him a place at the upcoming Soudal Open.

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“It’s been a long old road but I never lost belief in myself,” Wood said afterwards. “You have days where it feels harder but the fire in my belly has always been there.

“My anxiety has been horrendous and the tour have been good. The medical team have really helped me.

“This is hopefully the first little step and anyone that wants me there, please pick up the phone because I need a few starts this year.”

Ben Parsons is the Senior Writer at bunkered and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.