England's John Parry fired a superb final-round 64 to win the Mauritius Open and clinch his first DP World Tour title in 14 years. Having started his last round five shots back, Parry hit seven birdies and an eagle to finish on 14-under, two strokes clear of South African duo Dylan Naidoo and Christo Lamprecht.
It was the 38-year-old's first tour win since his victory at the Vivendi Cup in Sweden back in 2010. Three victories on the 2024 Challenge Tour contributed to Parry's return to the DP World Tour, but he admitted he considered quitting golf during his time competing on the third-tier EuroPro Tour.
After finishing joint-second at the Alfred Dunhill Championship the previous week, Parry’s victory meant more than just the title; it was the culmination of perseverance following years of struggle. He reflected on his career, saying: "It's massive. I don't know how long ago, maybe five or six years ago when I was back on the EuroPro... I was close to giving up golf. It's been a long battle back but worth every moment for this week."
Starting the day five strokes behind, Parry quickly settled down before igniting his back nine to clinch the title. The golfer turned the momentum with a pivotal chip-in eagle at the twelfth hole, which he characterized as the key moment of his round. Parry summarized it, stating: "That eagle there just got me a little spark, with a couple of good chances coming up. And I just really didn't miss a shot coming in, so it was really key."
With Naidoo and Lamprecht tied for second place with scores of 12-under, Parry’s performance overshot expectations. Naidoo started strong but faltered with three bogeys early on, finishing with 71 for the day. Similarly, co-leader Eddie Pepperell's chances faded after he suffered through two over-par on the fifth hole, concluding his day with 74 strokes.
This victory is significant on multiple levels as it not only marks Parry's return to the top but also rewards him financially; he collected over $260,000 for his week's work. He also drew an additional $200,000 after finishing atop the DP World Tour's Opening Swing Rankings, underscoring the importance of this comeback.
John Parry's success at the Mauritius Open exemplifies not just talent but resilience. After battling through years of near-retirement thoughts, his triumph resonates as one of persistence and renewed faith. He stated with clarity the impact of his win, reiteration the personal stakes he connected to this achievement: "I was close to giving up golf." His words capture the highs and lows of professional sports, serving as encouragement for athletes facing their own trials.
With the DP World Tour now pausing until the new year, Parry's victory stands as motivation and proof of what can be accomplished through hard work and determination. The next event on the tour calendar is the Dubai Desert Classic, slated for January 16-19, 2025—a significant Rolex Series occasion.