Chris Wood returns to the HotelPlanner Tour this week at the Italian Challenge Open, following three wins on the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Tour. He sat down for a Q&A to discuss his return to action, and his plans going forward…
How did you find your time on the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Tour?
"I entered the MENA Tour because I needed somewhere to play and actually wanted to play which is a big difference from the last few years of actually not wanting to play, to a degree. I came home from the final stage of DP World Tour Q-School having missed the cut by one shot, but I felt like I needed golf and I was ready for golf and the MENA Tour offered me somewhere to play. Fortunately for me as the events went on, I discovered there would be a pathway up to the HotelPlanner Tour. I really enjoyed it, I played six events, won three, and I won the Order or Merit so sort of knew early on that I could plan for the rest of the year on the HotelPlanner Tour, so for me it was amazing. I’m proud of myself for going down to play but also grateful to the tour for the work they put in to create the pathway."
After winning the Order of Merit, do you feel like you have that winning feeling back?
"I don’t think you ever lose that winning feeling, or that want to win. It’s very nice to win events at whatever level. I played in Qatar a couple of months ago and had lunch with Padraig Harrington. He said to me winning is winning wherever it is and he’s right. So yeah, you can gain confidence from that, even though I felt at times that my mind got me over the line in those wins more so than my actual game. I was proud of myself for winning that way as well."
What are your goals now that you are on the HotelPlanner Tour?
"I’ve not played a full season on the HotelPlanner Tour before, I’ve played a few events over the last few years because that’s what felt right for me to do. Hopefully I can plan a full season ahead of me now. I’m fully committed.
"Everyone wants a DP World Tour card but for me it’s about proving to myself that the practice I’m doing at home, the mental work I’ve been doing, I can do in tournament environments now. I’m shooting rounds at home that are good numbers, and I’m putting rounds together, but you need to get over the hurdle of doing it under tournament conditions. I feel much better equipped to do that now so, starting this week, it’s a good test for me and if I’m not able to compete, I feel like I’m honing in on the areas that will enable me to do so. I feel like I’m in a much better place to come out on tour than I was a few years ago."
How do you feel going into the Italian Challenge Open this week?
"I enjoy playing in Italy because they have some amazing golf courses. I’ve not played this one before, but they’ve hosted the Junior Ryder Cup here a couple of years ago, so I’m looking forward to seeing the course. I’ve had some nice success in a few Italian Opens over the years and felt like I’ve played well. And obviously you can enjoy your time away from the course too."
