Golf: John Parry eyeing more final day fun after European Tour near miss

John Parry came tenth at the Made in Denmark event last week

A double bogey on the final hole of the European Tour event cost John Parry his best finish on the European Tour since his only victory in 2009.

The 2009 Vivendi Classic remains his only victory on the European Tour but his upturn in form throughout 2015 has taken him close to a top 400 spot in the world rankings and 78th in the Race to Dubai.

Parry had been in contention throughout the competition but shot a six on the par-four 18th in Sunday’s final round to drop out of a share of second place.

The 28-year-old slipped down to tenth on the leaderboard as he finished the event on nine under par.

England’s David Horsey maintained his lead from day one of the event to take the title by two shots on 13 under.

Sweden’s Kristoffer Broberg, Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen and Australian duo Terry Pilkadaris and Daniel Gaunt tied in second place on 11 under.

Parry said: “It’s nice to be up the top of the leaderboard, contending for titles.

“Since my game has turned around, the team have discussed the importance of being in contention on a more regular basis, which I believe will transpire into a few more wins. This was a big step in the right direction and gives me a nice boost for the remaining events.

“I’ve had other close results since the Vivendi, but certainly over the past 18 months this was my best chance. I put myself in contention over all four rounds, with consistent golf, so I’m happy with that.

Parry had been among the front-runners in Farsø after shooting opening rounds of 66 and 65 to reach nine under par at the halfway stage, three shots behind leader Horsey.

The Knaresborough ace made four birdies in a two under par round on in Saturday as he played alongside Horsey in the final pair.

But four bogeys and the final hole double bogey in Sunday’s final round put paid to Parry’s title aspirations as several of the leading pack found the going tough.

“I’m naturally a bit disappointed not to win, when I really feel I had a shout,” Parry added

“My aim was to birdie 18 to put the pressure on Dave. I expected given the lie, that the ball would want to go left, but it actually shot straight right.

“I’m happy I went for it and one shot here or there would have been a different story.

“The course was quite short and wasn’t as breezy as it normally is. I’ve been playing well all year, just not holing enough putts, but after a lot of good work in the three week break, it was nice to see some putts dropping.”

Parry heads to the Czech Masters in Prague this week, and he was hopeful of a return to the top of the leaderboard in the coming weeks.

The world number 406 added: “There are some courses to come that really suit my game. I’m in the Czech Republic this week and I love this course.

“Then I have the KLM, where again I feel like I can shoot low, then the Dunhill Links where I’ve always done well. I’ve just got to do what I done in Denmark and put myself in position, if I do that then I’m confident of taking my chance.

“I’m excited for the remainder of the year and already looking forward to 2016 season, knowing I will be back in all the big events.”