John Gough is back in action fresh off the back of his second win of the season and will be attempting to earn instant promotion to the DP World Tour at this week’s English Trophy at The Caversham in Reading.
The Englishman returns home as a two-time HotelPlanner Tour winner after his triumph at last week’s Rosa Challenge Tour, where he finished one-stroke ahead of compatriot Andrew Wilson on a tense final day in Poland.
Gough, hailing from Berkshire himself, has enjoyed some home comforts since his win, something he feels is important after a long stint on the road.
“It’s nice to be home,” he said. “I’ve had a few nights in my own bed and it’s just a short trip up the road, so it feels good.
“It's just really nice to be all around my family and stuff. We had a few people over last night and it's been really nice, so looking forward to it.”
The English Trophy signifies the fantastic relationship between the HotelPlanner Tour and the Clutch Pro Tour, one of the Official Satellite Tours on the DP World Tour pathway.
Gough was himself a Clutch Pro Tour player in 2024, where he secured two wins before earning his HotelPlanner Tour Card later that year.
“The year after I turned professional, I didn't do very well at DP World Tour Q-School, I didn't even get through Stage One of Qualifying.
“I was lucky enough to get the rest of the season on the Clutch Pro Tour, and my first event, at Camberwell, I managed to win which kind of kicked me off on the right foot. And then, coincidentally, my second win was here at The Caversham.
“I have some nice memories of my time on the Clutch Pro Tour from the year I played on it.
“I'm looking forward to this week, knowing I've played at this course, and I've played well here before.”
Despite understanding the importance of claiming a third win of the season, Gough is looking to manage expectations and isn’t getting too caught up in earning promotion this week, opting instead to stay grounded during a season which has seen so much success for the 27-year-old.
“Everyone wants to win every week. It would be fantastic if I did, it would make travel arrangements a little bit easier for the rest of the year.
“I'm just going to play each week as it comes. If I'm going well I’ll just keep going and try and make the most out of it.
“With the standard of players on this tour, you can't let your foot off at any moment.
“In the grand scheme of things, I want to finish as high as I can because it gives you the best possible chance for more events next year.
“I’m just keeping the foot down really and taking each week as it comes and I’ll just try and enjoy it as much as possible.”
Gough forms part of an excellent field in England, which includes four-time DP World Tour winner David Horsey and European Ryder Cup star Chris Wood.
