Heading into the week in a very unfamiliar position of 33rd on the European Senior Tour Order of Merit, Gary was aiming to replicate his recent success at the French Riviera, and push towards the top 20. Two top 15 finishes in the last few years gave Gary confidence as he once again made his way to the beautiful Provence resort.

A first round total of 68, four under par, was enough to give Gary a share of 6th place however this was still four shots behind round one leader Philip Golding who eventually went on to win the title on Sunday afternoon. Despite the deficit Gary was in buoyant mood and excited by the positives in his game that making seven birdies brought. The second round was a little more testing and a one under par, 71 dropped Gary down to a share of 9th position on a five under total, now eight behind Golding who was clearly enjoying the course.

The final round, although curtailed by the awful weather with the leaders only a handful of holes from home, was a successful one for Gary as he once again fired a 68 to close his French Riviera Masters account on nine under par in a share for 6th place.

This finish has elevated Gary to 23rd position on the Order of Merit and gives the man from Kendal a great boost before he flies to Holland for the Dutch Senior Open this week.