Leading amateur golfer John Gough is joining forces with First Citizens Bank and non-profit Teen Cancer America ahead of accepting an invitation to play in this week’s Betfred British Masters at The Belfry.
Berkshire-based Gough, 24, who is currently 12th in the World Amateur Rankings, attracted the attentions of the management of First Citizens Bank after notching seven elite level victories in the last three seasons, making him among the most titled amateurs to emerge in Britain and Ireland since Rory McIlroy.
The 24-year-old became acquainted with the North Carolina-headquartered US bank after he closed out his time at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with victories in 2021 Linger Longer Invitational and the Palmetto Amateur Championship. Later that summer he added the English Men’s Amateur Championship, victories in the Spanish Amateur Championship and Lytham Trophy followed in 2022, and already in 2023 he has triumphed in the Australian Masters of the Amateurs and the Irish Men’s Amateur Open Championship.
It’s a golfing CV that not only highlights the Berkshire golfer’s ability to win at the highest level, but also his capacity to maintain those standards anywhere around the world – a quality that will hold him in good stead when he eventually makes the journey into the paid ranks.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to tee it up with the pros and showcase why I received the invitation,” Gough said ahead of Thursday’s first round at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo. Gough himself said: “Having an invite this week is an honour in itself and so is representing a great company like First Citizens Bank and proudly wearing the logo on the course.”
The event will be Gough’s fourth start at professional level and he said: “It’s quite surreal because you get the buzz and the butterflies in the stomach on arrival, but then I’m also thinking that if I play my normal game I can make something happen. The crowds will be bigger than I’ve ever played in front of, but I’m really excited and looking forward to it.”
Gough revealed that his prowess for claiming wins has been a work in progress. “In my college years I was always a steady golfer but my first two victories made a huge impact on my self confidence and self belief. Knowing that I had won and that every shot doesn’t need to be perfect has been a big help. It should bode well for me heading into the pro ranks.”
Barbara Thompson, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of Brand and Communications Strategy at First Citizens Bank, said: “We are proud to announce the partnership between John Gough and First Citizens Bank. First Citizens has a real passion and interest to support young people, families and their futures. For example, First Citizens has worked closely with not-for-profit Teen Cancer America and its efforts to transform the lives of young people with cancer.”
In addition to its support of Gough, First Citizens Bank is a national sponsor of Teen Cancer America. Since 2015, First Citizens and TCA have established partnerships with six major medical centres across south-east United States – creating special treatment units and programmes to fit the unique needs of teens and young adults with cancer.
James Byers, CEO of Trinifold Sports, Gough’s management company, added: “This is an exciting development. First Citizens is dedicated to supporting young people, an endeavour that has worked closely with Trinifold philanthropically for Teen Cancer America and beyond. The union with John is a great next step.”