Jhared Hack is hoping to keep up his fine form at this week’s Italian Challenge Open as he looks to progress on the HotelPlanner Tour’s European swing.
The American earned his spot in the field in Italy after finishing in a tie for second at March’s co-sanctioned DP World PGTI Open in India, with a final round 65 leaving him one shot off eventual winner MJ Daffue.
Hack has thrived on the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India this year, winning Q-School and quickly following it up by winning the first event on the schedule. Now, he is looking to take his chance on the Road to Mallorca.
“I took a chance on an opportunity to go and travel somewhere kind of uncomfortable and so far it’s paying off,” said Hack.
“I’ve had a lot of fun, seen a lot of places, and obviously it’s nice to be here too and have this opportunity. I’m really grateful to be here.
“I would love to get to continue to play out here this summer, get to see a lot of new places to travel to, new courses, new cuisine. Obviously, I’d like to advance my career as well – having a DP World Tour card by the end of the season would be quite nice.”
The 36-year-old currently sits in a tie for tenth on the season-long Road to Mallorca Rankings, and is confident that Golf Nazionale is a course on which he can get the top ten finish required to get into next week’s Challenge de Catalunya.
“The course this week is really good for my game I believe,” he said.
“The conditions should hold up. It’s actually really firm in the fairways at the moment so hopefully with some of this rain coming in the greens hold up. I’m excited.”
This is just Hack’s third start on the HotelPlanner Tour, with his first coming back in 2010 at the Moroccan Golf Classic. A lot has changed for the American since his debut.
“The course [in Morocco] was twice as tight as this place, it was a bowling alley but it was a lot of fun playing on a bigger stage and it was a chance to advance your career,” he said.
“I’ve learned a lot since then, I’m definitely kinder to myself than I was and my course management has improved. I’m excited to play this week.”
Hack gets his first round under way at 09:30 local time on Thursday alongside Maximilien Sturdza from Switzerland and Scotsman Will Porter.
