Daniel Augustus is heading into the new year with plenty of optimism — and for good reason.

The experienced professional is riding high on confidence and self belief after winning his first Gosling’s Moongate Tour Championship title and finishing runner-up in the professional division of the Bermuda Goodwill Tournament in his previous two tournaments.

Those victories have removed some of the pain Augustus felt after not making it into the Butterfield Bermuda Championship despite holding a great chance going into the second round of the Local Qualifier.

“Not qualifying for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship left me broken,” he said.

“It was one of the lowest moments I’ve faced as a professional, especially after having the lead after the first hole during the second round. The way I gave it away on the front nine left a memory that I will never forget.

“That was one of the most painful experiences I’ve had as a golfer but it was probably the best thing to happen to me. Pain can be the greatest teacher sometimes and that loss taught me a lot. I’m champing at the bit again and hungrier than ever to get better.

“Not qualifying allowed me to change my perspective of myself and helped remind me of how great of a golfer I am. It helped me identify what makes me great and what pulls me down. It helped me to recognise that only I can stop myself and my greatest opponent is myself.”

While this year has not been a total write-off, 2025 is one that Augustus will be happy to move on from

“It was a year of rediscovering myself, a whole lot of relearning and a ton of heartbreak and challenges, but knowing first that God has got me no matter what, I’m going to fight for what I believe in,” he said.

“I faced a lot of silent battles this year that a lot of people won’t know about. But I’m still standing, still winning and improving, and I will do whatever it takes to make my goals happen.”

But the year has ended on a high with the Moongate Tour success and a strong showing in the Goodwill Tournament.

“It felt good to back up my win on the Moongate with another great showing in the Goodwill,” Augustus told The Royal Gazette.

“I know it was a stableford event, but to finish 5-under par for three days of golf in tough conditions is a great feat. Also, knowing the two other players that finished tied for first place were playing a tee up from me let’s me know how good I played over those days.”

After 54 holes, Augustus finished level on 59 stableford points with overseas pair Brent Studer and Doug Rohrbaugh. Studer ultimately prevailed in a play-off to deny Augustus a second straight title, and his third of the year, with the Bermuda Professional Golfers Association Match Play event also going his way.

Augustus also found himself at a disadvantage having to travel to the play-off from Port Royal Golf Course to Tucker’s Point Golf Club, where his rivals played their final round.

“It’s unfortunate that I lost in the play-off, but even with the odds stacked up against me it was a great result and I did everything I could to win it,” he said.

Augustus went into the event with plenty of momentum after tasting success in the Gosling’s Moongate Tour Championship at Port Royal Golf Course by four shots.

“Any win in my career always feels good, but that’s the past and I’ve got a lot of work to do,” he said. “I’m proud of my win, but I can’t stay in that mindset.”

As well as his BPGA Match Play and Gosling’s Moongate Tour Championship success, making his debut on the Clutch Pro Tour in England was also among the player’s highlights this past year.

“I experienced the lowest of lows this year but even in that I won two major professional golf events in Bermuda,” Augustus said. “This is during a year where I didn’t play good golf and I’ve got a lot to proud of this year.

“Another high this year was playing on the Clutch Pro Tour in England this summer. It’s a great tour with some great talent.”

If all goes according to plan, Augustus hopes to secure exemption on the Clutch Pro Tour at the second attempt next year.

“My plans haven’t changed in regards to attaining a card on a major tour,” he said.

“I’ve got a lot left in the tank and that was just my first good run at it. I know I’ve got a second breeze in me and I will be working on improving to stay sharp and compete again next year.”