He’s been at ‘Gate of hell..

MATTHEW SOUTHGATE is due a break.

If he didn’t have bad luck, he’d have no luck at all.

The inspirational Essex golfer made an heroic return from testicular cancer last year and his tale of courage over adversity will make a book some day.

It has been uplifting to see him save a career that looked doomed two years ago and his revival looked complete with a recent T6 finish at The Open.

That gifted him a crack at the Web.com finals and a golden opportunity to secure playing rights on the PGA Tour. But just as things were looking up, cruel luck struck again, at the recent DAP Championship.

It was a bizarre incident. After seeing a putt at the 15th deflected off course by an airborne leaf, Southgate tapped in for what he thought was par.

But under Rule 19-1, he should have replaced his ball in its original spot and replayed the shot without a penalty.

A four shot penalty ensued and his PGA Tour dream was effectively over.

What a blow, yet Matthew took it on the chin in true Southgate style.

At 28, he has been dealt some tough breaks so far, but I played with Matt in his first pro tournament and his enthusiasm was infectious.

It’s awful that he has another setback to process – but, with his spirit and after all he’s been through, I’m confident he’ll bounce back.

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