Nick Jones breathed a sigh of relief after picking up his first win on the Gosling’s Moongate Tour in nearly two years at Mid Ocean Club yesterday.

The professional shot three-under 68, which included five birdies, to finish three shots clear of runner-up Chris Smith.

“It's a big relief and my first win this year,” Jones told The Royal Gazette.

“My game is coming together nicely from my experiences overseas in playing the APGA Tour, and hopefully coming together in time for everything I want to do, including the Butterfield Bermuda Championship Local Qualifier, Gosling’s Moongate Tour Championship and Johnnie Walker Classic.

“We have a really good chunk of tournaments coming up, and I am excited to have my game come around at the right time.”

Jones’s previous win was in August 2022 when he finished tied for first with Tour cofounder and fellow professional Chaka DeSilva at Port Royal.

His latest victory was made even more sweeter having become the first recipient of the under-par bonus award sponsored by Life & Annuity Services Ltd.

“There was a bonus for sub-par rounds if you win, so there was an extra $100 bonus for shooting in the 60s,” he explained.

“I don’t know if I am the first one to do it, but I am the first one to win the bonus of the under-par round.

“I played good. Had five birdies and two bogeys, just some silly mistakes, but I am feeling solid, feeling good.”

Professional and defending Order of Merit champion Scott Roy finished tied for third with amateur Ryan Clements, another three shots off the lead pace.

It is the Turtle Hill Golf Club director’s third top-three showing in this year’s championship, having won the season opener at Port Royal Golf Course in February to make a solid start to his title defence and tied for third with amateur Damian Palanyandi at Ocean View Golf Course in May.

“The score was good,” Roy said. “Didn’t feel like I played well or felt as comfortable as in previous event, but it was good to get back out and play.”