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Belgium's Detry Inspired by Friend and Countryman Thomas Pieters

By: Golfshake Editor | Wed 07 Sep 2016


Belgium's Thomas Detry is celebrating his recent success at the Bridgestone Challenge on the Challenge Tour, but the 23-year-old G/FORE professional is targeting even loftier heights in the future, in an effort to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Thomas Pieters, who was named one of Darren Clarke's three captain's picks for the Ryder Cup last week.

Both graduates of the University of Ilonois, Detry and Pieters tasted victory on the same day last month, with the slightly older man securing the title in stunning fashion at the Made in Denmark, with Detry proving to be dominant at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire, where he shot an opening round of 60 on route to setting a record-equalling 29-under winning total.

After only turning professional in July and signing up to wear quality US golf fashion brand G/FORE, the 12-stroke victory lifted Detry into the top-15 in the Road to Oman standings, which would seal a place on the European Tour next season if he can stay there.

And the Brussels-born talent, who will play in the KLM Open in the Netherlands on the European Tour this week - an event where Pieters is the defending champion - has big ambitions to continue his own rise in the game.

Detry said: "Thomas and I have known each other since we were eight or nine years old. We went to the same university in the States so we are very close. We talk every day and we will room together at the KLM Open.

"He works so hard and I am so happy for him. When Darren Clarke announced his name, I had chills going down my back.

"Of course, we have talked a lot about the Ryder Cup. He is a very laid-back guy but he is very excited about it and is really happy to have made the team. Thomas is in fantastic form and I'm sure he will do well. He has all the attributes and the perfect attitude. He has done so well - it's just inspiring to see it."

Seeing his friend set to make his debut for Europe at Hazeltine has begun to raise questions about Detry's possibilities in the future, perhaps in 2018 at Le Golf National. "Playing in the Ryder Cup will come with good results and hard work. I see it as a gift or a reward but I would love to do it, for sure."

While Detry is keen to follow in Pieters' footsteps, it seems other professionals are keen to fill his G/FORE shoes, especially as he builds an impressive reputation for himself.

Detry said: "You have no idea how many fans and even other professionals come up to me and talk about my shoes and tell me how cool they are. Everybody wants to order them!

"I've always liked their stuff. It's stylish but it's sober and classy as well and I really like that. It fits me perfectly and I'm really happy to be part of the G/FORE family.

"The coloured gloves are amazing too. The colours are pretty cool to match them with what you're wearing but the leather is just fantastic quality."

Quality, too, was his recent triumphant performance, which came remarkably quickly for someone who has just moved into the paid ranks. "It was great to get my first professional win. I was actually very proud of myself.

"After my first round of 60, I managed to keep the same level of play and that was really good. To get my first win just two months after turning professional is an amazing feeling.

"Now I'm looking forward to trying to play well at the KLM Open. I played in the French Open in July, which was a great experience. I'm confident and my game feels great.

"The French Open was a very good test. I didn't even play my best game and I still finished in the top-25, so that showed me I can compete at the highest level on the European Tour."

He certainly can, and will do so with G/Fore carrying him along the fairways. For more information about the brand, visit www.gfore.com.


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Tags: Thomas Pieters Thomas Detry european tour



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